668 
U58m 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELES 


4tST  OONGUKSS,  I  sr.NATI-:.  i  Ex.  Doc. 

3d  Session.       ]  i     No.  1C. 


M  1C  S  S  A  G  E 


PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

rO.M.Mr.NICATIMi, 

lit.  compliance  irlih  the  resolution  of  tin-  Senate  of  the  Kith  of  December.  1870, 
information    hi    relation   to  on  Inn/en  committed   by  disloyal  peraonft  in 
•  '  a  ml  other  Southern  Male*. 


JV.MMIY  l:J.  1-71.—  Ordered  to  li<-  on  tlu-  tahle  and  he  print*-.!. 


To  th<'  Senate  of  the  L' lifted  States: 

In  reply  to  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  lOtli  of  December,  1870, 
requesting'  to  be  furnished  with  information  relative  to  the  organization 
of  disloyal  persons  in  North  Carolina  having  in  view  resistance  of  the 
United  'States  laws,  denial  of  protection,  and  the  enjoyment  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  secured  under  the  United  States,  &c.,  I  transmit 
herewith  abstracts  of  reports  and  other  papers  on  tile  in  the  War  De- 
partment relative  to  outrages  in  North  Carolina;  and  also,  for  the  infor- 
mation of  the  Senate,  those  relative  to  outrages  in  the  other  'Southern 
States.  The  original  reports  and  papers  are  too  voluminous  to  be 
copied  in  season  to  be  used  by  the  present  Congress,  but  are  easily 
;>le  for  reference,  and  copies  of  such  papers  can  be  furnished  as 
the  Senate  may  deem  necessary. 

U.  S.  (JItANT. 

Kxr.( TTIVI-:  MANSION.  January  i:>,  1871. 


nNV    AS    TO  Ol.-TUAdKS  COMMITTED  IN  SOUTHERN   STATES,  WITH 
IIK'IKK  A]'»TKA(  TS  A.ND  DOCTMK.NTS. 

[NOTE*— Upon  examination  Of  tin-  records  of  tin-  headquarters  Armies  1'iiitnl  States 
'.Ct-ncral  Grant's)  it  appears  tliat  many  papers  in  regard  to  outrages,  mnrdci>.  A  i.. 
Committed  in  Southern  States,  were  referred  to  the  eomniandinji  generals  of  tlie  gev- 
i  nil  military  distrietsand  depai'tments  \\liere  thedceiirrence  tocik  place,  and  that  other- 
\\eresulniiifted  to  the  Seeretaiy  ttf  War.  from  time  To  time,  and  not  returned  ;  hut  the 
principal  matter  rel  at :  ve  to  these  out  ra^es  is  contained  in  the  accompanying  documents. 

Tht>  reports  of  (i,  nerals  Ilalleck.  Terry  :uul  Reynolds  for  1870  are  not  included,  all 
the  annual  repoi'ts  of  division  ami  department  commanders  lor  that  year  having  Keen 
handed  to  the  Secretary  of  War  early  in  l)e(  emher,  1S70.] 

AKSTKAOTS. 

January  L',  1S»>7,  (Jeneral  K.  ().  C.  Old.  commanding  Department  of 

the  Arkansas,  and  assistant  commissioner  Freedmen's  JIureau  for  that. 
State  and  Indian  Territory,  forwards  memorandum  of  reports  from  dif 


2  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

ferent  sections  of  the  -State,  of  murders  and  outrages,  received  at  that| 
office  since  December  22,  1860. 

January  5,  1867,  says  the  necessity  of  the  military  service  in  that 
department  requires  a  mounted  force  to  be  at  his  disposal  immediately 
for  the  suppression  of  lawlessness  and  disorder. 

January  0,  10,  and  12,  1867,  forwards  copies  of  communications  from 
different  officers  and  citizens,  reporting  lawlessness  and  outrages  in  the 
Department  of  the  Arkansas ;  also,  report  of  operations  from  time  of 
assuming  command,  August  29,  1866. 

Eeport  of  Major  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  military  di. 
vision  of  the  Tennessee,  with  those  of  Generals  Daniel  Sickles,  A.  H- 
Terry,  George  Stoneman,  and  T.  H.  Euger,  in  regard  to  outrages  in  the 
Southern  States,  committed  by  whites  upon  blacks,  and  vice  versa,  with 
action  taken  by  the  authorities,  since  the  surrender  of  the  rebel  armies; 
forwarded  March  1,  1866. 

General  Stoueman,  commanding  Department  of  Tennessee,  under  date 
of  February  5, 1866,  transmits  reports  of  subordinate  commanders,  in  re- 
gard to  outrages  occurring  within  his  command. 

January  26,  1866,  Brevet  Major  General  John  C.  Smith,  commanding 
district  of  West  Tennessee,  transmits  report  of  lieutenant  T.  H.  Ward, 
provost  marshal  of  freedmen,  of  outrages  committed  by  whites  against 
the  freedmen,  and  the  reverse,  and  states  that  many  outrages,  principal- 
ly thefts,  are  alleged  to  have  been  committed  by  colored  soldiers,  but  as 
such  cases  were  not  immediately  reported,  the  parties  implicated  could 
not  be  identified.  The  report  of  Lieutenant  Ward  shows  fifty-two  cases 
of  misdemeanor,  including  one  shooting  affray  and  one  assault  with  knife. 

January  20,  1866,  General  Alvan  C.  Gillem,  commanding  district  of 
East  Tennessee,  encloses  the  affidavits  of  two  freedmen,  setting  forth : 
1.  That  while  Eobert  Johnson,  a  discharged  soldier  from  Company  E. 
One  hundred  and  twenty -fourth  regiment  colored  infantry,  was  stopping, 
on  his  way  to  Eichmond,  Virginia,  at  a  house  in  Gallowstown,  a  pistol  was 
taken  from  him  by  the  police  with  a  promise  that  it  would  be  returned  to 
him  the  next  morning.  On  going  to  the  party  who  held  the  pistol  in 
possession,  he  was  abused  and  shot  at  several  times,  and  the  pistol,  for 
which  he  paid'  eighteen  dollars,  denied  him.  2.  Spencer  Swathe,  a 
soldier  of  Company  M,  First  United  States  Colored  Infantry,  while  on 
his  way  to  join  his  regiment,  from  sick  leave,  stopped  at  a,  house  of  Mr. 
Bridges  where  his  wife  was  living,  to  leave  some  money  with  her.  While 
there  he  was  assaulted  by  two  men,  Bill  McFarlan  and  Breslau  Swathe, 
the  former  striking  him  with  an  axe  on  the  head,  and  robbed  of  $50,  a 
pistol,  a  rifle,  his  overcoat  and  boots.  The  same  parties  also  took  six 
dollars  from  his  wife. 

Another  paper,  inclosed  by  General  Gillem,  exhibits  the  report  of 
Colonel  W.  B.  Gaw,  Sixteenth  United  States  Colored  Infantry,  dated 
Chattanooga,  January  1,  1866,  in  which  he  states  that  011  September  5, 
oneBartlett  Vinson,  a  citizen  of  Chattanooga,  murdered  a  soldier  of  the 
First  United  States  Colored  Heavy  Artillery,  and  gave  in  excuse  as  the 
provocation  for  the  deed  that  some  negro  had  stolen  goods  from  him 
a  night  or  two  before.  As  another  instance  of  unprovoked  hostility 
against  the  colored  people,  he  relates  that  two  citizens  of  Broomtown 
Valley  set  the  school-house  for  colored  children  on  fire  to  prevent  their 
being  taught  there.  Several  colored  persons  have  been  .murdered  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  post,  but  it  is  not  known  by  whom,  whites  or  blacks. 
A  most  revolting  case  transpired  on  the  night  of  December  29,  1865, 
wherein  negroes  were  the  guilty  parties.  Some  eight  or  ten  entered  the 
house  of  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Moore,  living  some  t'.vo  miles  and  a  half  from 
the  post,  and  not  only  beat  the  old  gentleman  and  robbed  him  of  his 


5>vu. 

OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PEKSON  3 

money,  but  shamefully  abused  the  niece  of  Mr.  Moore,  and  i  fe,  and 
violated  their  persons.  The  guilty  parties  have  not  been  i  «,  i/ed  or 
arrested. 

General  Gillein,in  referring  to  the  outrages  enumerated  in  the  reports 
forwarded  by  him,  remarks  that  all  disturbances  of  this  character  are 
occasioned  more  by  the  disorganized  condition  of  society  there,  and  the 
consequent  immunity  with  which  such  acts  may  be  committed,  than  by 
any  settled  antipathy  between  the  whites  and  blacks. 

January  28,  1866,  John  Seage,  superintendent  Bureau  Refugees, 
Freedmen  and  Abandoned  Lands,  reports  15  cases  of  assault  and  2 
murders  committed  by  the  whites  on  the  blacks. 

January  9,  1866,  Brevet  Major  General  Thomas  II.  linger,  command- 
ing Department  of  North  Carolina,  transmits  report  of  outrages  in  his 
department,  showing  10  cases  of  murder,  1  of  manslaughter,  3  of  assault 
with  intent  to  kill,  6  of  rape,  119  of  assault  and  battery;  total,  139 
crimes  on  the  person,  and  30  cases  of  burglary,  17  of  larceny,  12  of  rob- 
bery ;  total,  59  crimes  not  on  the  person. 

January  22,  1866,  Major  General  Daniel  Sickles  transmits  report  of 
persons  tried  and  convicted  before  provost  courts  in  his  department 
during  the  months  of  August,  September,  October,  November,  and 
December,  1865,  showing  90  white  and  605  black  for  stealing,  25  white 
and  45  black  for  disorderly  conduct,  135  white  and  55  black  for  drunken- 
ness, 60  wnite  and  123  black  for  assault ;  total  white,  310 ;  total  black, 
828.  General  Sickles  also  incloses  testimony  taken  by  officers  of  the 
Freedmen's  Bureau. 

January  11,  1866,  General  Alfred  H.  Terry,  commanding  Department 
of  Virginia,  transmits  a  list  of  outrages  committed  by  white  people  upon 
blacks,  and  vice  versa,  as  reported  by  district  commanders;  enumerates 
48  cases,  mostly  assaults,  burglary,  larcency,  and  several  murders. 

January  27/1866,  General  Terry  transmits  supplemental  report  of 
outrages  in  his  department,  as  furnished  by  officers  of  the  Bureau  of 
Refugees,  Freedmen  and  Abandoned  .Lands,  showing  22  cases  of 
assault,  &c. 

January  16,  1866,  Major  General  Thomas  G.  Wood,  commanding  the 
Department  of  Mississippi,  transmits  report  of  outrages  committed 
in  his  department,  enumerating  38  cases,  including  assaults,  burglary, 
murder,  &". 

January  9,  1866,  General  John  E.  Smith,  commanding  District  of 
West  Tennessee,  reports  the  state  of  matters  between  the  citizens  and 
the  negro  soldiers  in  his  command.  Inclosed  charges  against  nine  sol- 
diers of  the  One  hundred  and  thirty-sixth  regiment  United  States  col- 
ored infantry,  for  assault  with  intent  to  kill. 

January  io,  1866,  General  B.  H.  Grierson,  commanding  District  of 
Huntsville,  reports  outrages  committed  in  his  district,  consisting  of 
mostly  assaults,  some  murders,  highway  robbery,  burglaries,  and  lar- 
ceny. 

January  3,  1866,  Major  John  D.  Wilkins,  Fifteenth  Infantry,  provost 
mar.-hal  District  of  Mobile,  transmits  report  of  prisoners  confined  in 
the  military  prison  at  Mobile,  Alabama,  from  April  10, 1865,  to  January 
3,  1S66  ;  charges  mostly  assaults. 

February  9,  1866,  Brevet  Major  General  Charles  R.  Woods,  com 
ma  ruling  Department  of  Alabama,  transmits  report  of  outrages  by 
whites  against  blacks,  and  reverse ;  incloses  affidavits  and  charges 
against  soldiers  of  colored  troops. 

December  29,  1865.  Colonel  George  1).  Robinson,  superintendent  Bu- 
reau Refugees.  Freedmen  and  Abandoned  Lands,  Mobile,  Alabama, 


4  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

forwards  testimony  in  cases  of  outrages  perpetrated  on  the  persons  and 
property  of  colored  people,  and  the  murder  of  Mr.  AV.  U.  Bass,  of  Baden 
Springs,  Alabama. 

October  9,  1866,  Captain  William  A.  Poillon,  assistant  superintendent 
Bureau  Kefugees,Freedmeu  and  Abandoned  Lands,  transmits  report  and 
testimony  in  the  case  of  Lemuel  Bowden,  John  Dudley,  and  Casswell 
Lambert,  charged  with  the  murder  of  a  freedman  and  his  family  in 
Monroe  County,  Alabama." 

Eeport  of  Captain  Poillon,  inclosing  affidavits  in  cases  of  assaults, 
nmrder,  &c.,  in  Clark  County,  Alabama. 

November  10,  1865,  Major  General  Osterhaus,  commanding  Depart- 
ment of  Mississippi,  incloses  report  of  Brevet  Major  General  M.  F. 
Force,  commanding  northern  district  of  Mississippi,  regarding  the  kill- 
ing of  a  citizen  of  Mississippi,  by  a  gnard  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana 
cavalry. 

The 'report  of  General  Force  shows  that  a  detachment  from  Company 
1,  Thirteenth  Indiana  cavalry,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Bailey, 
was  sent  out  to  recover  mules  which  had  been  run  off  by  citizens,  and 
suspicion  resting  on  Major  Morris  they  arrested  him.  He  would  uot 
submit  to  the  arrest  and  attempted  to  break  away,  when  he  was  shot  by 
the  guard. 

May  19,  1809,  commanding  general  Department  of  Louisiana  forwards 
reports,  in  which  he  states  that  he  has  ordered  troops  from  Jackson  Bar- 
racks to  Jefferson,  Louisiana,  to  assist  the  police  there,  they  being  again 
opposed,  and  the  governor  powerless  to  preserve  the  peace. 

T July  20,  1869,  1).  Woodruff,  of  Tuscaloosa,  Tuscaloosa  County,  Ala- 

\  baina,  in  a  letter  to  the  President,  asks  protection  against  Ku-Klux  out- 
I  rages  in  that  county;  states  that  some  twenty-six  murders  have  occurred 
in  that  county  within  the  past  few  months,  besides  other  outrages,  and 
as  yet  not  a  single  arrest;  recommends  that  Tuscaloosa  County,  which 
is  the  head-center  of  Ku-Klux  outrages,  be  put  under  martial  law,  as  it 
would  arrest  outrages  all  over  the  State  and  cause  some  respect  for  the 
State  government,  as  it  is  at  present  openly  defied. 

January,  1871. — Memorandum,  without  signature,  left  at  the  War 
Department,  giving  the  names  of  some  of  the  persons  who  have  been 
put  to  death  in  Alabama  within  the  last  two  years  by  persons  wearing 
the  disguise  of  the  "Ku-Klux  Klan  :" 

1.  Alexander  Boyd,  esq.,  white,  solicitor  for  Greene  County,  living  at 
Eutaw,  the  county  seat.    Taken  from  his  room  in  the  hotel  where  he 
was  boarding,  in  the  night  of  May  21,  1870,  by  a  large  band  of  Ku- 
Klux,  and  put  to  death. 

2.  Guilford  Coleman,  leading  colored  man  in  Greene  County. 

3.  4,  5,  and  6.  Thomas  Johnson,  Levi  Smiley,  David  Jones,  and  Sam- 
uel or  Thomas  Snoddy,  all  colored  men  living  in  Greene  County. 

7.  Burke,  a  leading  coloied  man  living  in  Suinter  County; 

was  a  member  of  the  legislature. 

8.  Frank  Diggs,  a  colored  man  who  was  United  States  mail  agent  on 
the  Selma  and  Meridian  Railroad,  .shot  in  his  mail  car  near  the  Ala- 
bama and  Mississippi  line,  a  short  time  before  the  election  in  November 
last. 

9.  William  C.  Luke,  white,  teacher  of  school  for  colored  children,  at  Pa 
tona,  Calhoun  County.    Hung  near  the  village  of  Cross  Plains,  Calhoun 
County,  on  the  night  of  July  11,  1870. 

10.  11, 12, 13, 14, 15.  Toney  Cliff,  Berry  Harris,  Ca-sar  Frederick,  Wil- 
liam Hall,  Essex  Hendrick,  and  Jacob  Moore,  all  colored  men,  put  to 
death  at  the  same  time  and  place  as  Mr.  Luke. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  5 

16.  Eighteen  colored  men  living  in  Millersville,  Clay  County,  were 
enitlly  beaten  l>y  a  band  of  disguised  men  for  voting  the  republican 
ticket  in  November  last.  T\vo  were,  beaten  with  boards  into  which 
nm«1!  nailx  lint!  been  driceit. 

General  Ilalleck,  September  14,  1809,  forwards,  for  information  of  the 
General-in  chief,  report  from  headquarters  Department  of  the  South 
on  the  Hancock  County  troubles  in  Georgia. 

William  A.  Harrison  (colored)  complained  that  when  he  was  elected 
to  the  legislature  of  the  $tate  lie  had  been  compelled  for  being  a  person, 
of  color;  that  the  lives  of  all  advocates  of  the  republican  party  in  the 
county  were  unsafe;  himself  and  others  having  been  threatened  with 
violence  and  death,  both  openly  and  by  letters  signed  K.  K.  K.  and  other 
symbols  ;  that  colored  persons  had  been  taken  out  and  whipped  ;  and 
that  June  lo,  1809,  one  Harper,  a  colored  man,  had  been  killed,  it  was 
believed  Cor  political  opinions,  &c. 

Captain  J.  Kline,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  was  sent  to  investigate  the 
matter,  who  reported  that  he  did  not  believe  an  organized  band  of  Ku- 
Klux  Klan  existed  in  the  vicinity  named  ;  that  the  whipping  had  been 
done  by  unknown  parties,  and  that  evidence  seemed  to  show  that  Har- 
per had  been  killed  in  a  personal  encounter,  &c. 

May  -o,  1809,  CrHouel  Joseph  A.  Mower,  commanding  Department  of 
Louisiana,  asked  if  he  could  send  a  company  of  cavalry  to  Caddo  Parish, 
Louisiana,  from  Jefferson,  to  protect  a  man  threatened  by  an  armed 
gang,  and  arrest  desperadoes  ;  said  the  civil  authorities  were  powerless, 
in  reply,  the  General  of  the  Army  said  that  if  the  governor  would  cer- 
tify to  the  inability  of  the  civil  authorities  to  maintain  order,  and  it  was 
impracticable  to  convene  the  legislature,  and  if  the  man  would  make 
affidavit  charging  any  certain  persons  with  threatening  his  life,  he  could 
arrest  them  with  an  infantry  company  and  imprison  them  until  they 
gave  bond  to  keep  the  peace.  Colonel  M.  was  asked  if  he  could  not 
hold  the  parish  sheriff  and  police  magistrates  responsible. 

June  14.  1809,  Colonel  Mower  transmitted  report  of  Captain  Joseph 
Kerin,  showing  the  inefficient  condition  of  his  company,  (F,)  Sixth  Cav- 
alry, for  active  duty  in  Department  of  Louisiana. 

May  27,  1809,  the  sheriff  of  Caddo  Parish  reported  that  a  gang  of 
horse-thieves  and  murderers  had  committed  murderous  depredations 
upon  freedmen  and  planters,  and  endeavored  to  murder  Major  R.  Wil- 
kinson. Requested  some  mounted  troops.  Transmitted  by  Governor 
AVarmoth  to  Colonel  Mower,  who,  in  a  letter  to  the  Adjutant  General 
of  the  Army,  says  he  ordered  a  detachment  of  cavalry  to  protect  Major 
AVilkinson  and  assist  the  civil  authorities. 

December  !29,  1800,  Thomas  Maxwell,  postmaster  at  Rectortown  Sta- 
tion, ViVginia,  recites  to  the  Secretary  of  \Var  the  particulars  of  brutal 
treatment  practiced  upon  him  by  James  E.  Rector  and  others,  said  out- 
rages being  directed  toward  Mr.  Maxwell  in  consequence  of  his  having 
taken  an  oath  to  serve  the  Government  of  the  United  States  in  his 
capacity  of  postmaster,  and  for  being  thoroughly  a  Unionist. 

Second  Lieutenant  W.  S.  Chase,  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  and  assistant 
superintendent  Freedmen's  Bureau,  examined  into  the  case,  and  reported 
February  9,  1807,  that  Maxwell  was  badly  beaten  by  James  E.  Rector, 
who  on  one  occasion  was  assisted  by  his  brother,  W.  F.  Rector.  Max- 
well, being  an  old  man,  was  powerless  to  defend  himself,  and  he  was 
beaten  with  a  club  until  the  blood  ran  down  over  his  face.  This,  too, 
in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Maxwell's  daughter,  who  tried  in  vain  to  a'ssist 
her  fa tlier. 

For  this  assault   the  Messrs.  Rector  were  finally  arrested,  tried,  and 


6  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

found  guilty,  and  made  to  pay  a  fine  of  one  cent  with  costs.  Judge 
Holt,  fn  commenting-  upon  the  case,  states  that  the  sentence  imposed 
upon  them  was  in  no  way  commensurate  with  their  offense. 

January,  1870,  G.  W.  Daniels  et  al  to  the  President,  complain. that 
Boonvilte  County,  Kentucky,  is  invested  with  roaming  bands  of  the 
"Ku-Klux;"  murder  and  whipping  of  Union  men  are  of  almost  nightly 
occurrence,  and  therefore  ask  that  a  regiment  of  soldiers  be  sent  for 
their  protection. 

Keferred  to  Secretary  of  War  January  8,  1870,  and  to  General  of  the 
Army  January  13,  1870.  Returned  to  Secretary  of  War,  the  General 
of  the  Army  asking  for  special  instructions,  suggesting  that  until  some 
law  is  passed  by  Congress,  defining  clearly  how  the  military  forces  can 
act  lawfully  in  cases  of  this  kind,  that  the  military  authorities  do  not 
act  for  the  present.  Recommends  the  whole  matter  to  be  submitted  to 
Congress. 

June  12,  1868,  General  Canby,  commanding  Second  Military  District, 
forwards  a  letter  from  General  Scott  relative  to  the  murder  of  Solomon 
Dill,  county  commissioner  and  member  elect  of  the  legislature.  States 
that  in  his  judgment  the  murder  was  purely  political. 

June  14,  1868,  General  Canby  reports  the  murder  of  W.  J.  Mixson,  of 
Barnwell  County,  South  Carolina.  The  civil  authorities,  it  is  alleged, 
positively  refused  to  arrest  the  murderer.  Cites  also  the.  murder  of  S. 
W.  Dill  by  a  party  of  5  to  9  men,  who  also  mortally  wounded  Dill's  wife 
and  killed  a  colored  man  who  tried  to  make  his  escape  from  Dill's  house. 
No  arrests  made  by  civil  authorities.  Says  it  is  manifest  that  both 
these  crimes  were  committed  for  political  purposes. 

t/  Papers  relating  to  troubles  in  North  Carolina. 

Governor  Holden,  March  10,  1870,  informed  the  President  that  it  had 
been  his  duty  to  declare  the  county  of  Alamance  in  insurrection.  Gives 
reasons  therefor,  and  incloses  act  of  legislature  for  basis  of  proclamation. 

General  Meade,  March  11,  1870,  forwards  for  information  of  the  Gen- 
eral-in-Chief reports  from  headquarters  Department  of  Virginia  relative 
to  same  troubles.  Report  of  Lieutenant  C.  P.  McTaggart,  Seventeenth 
Infantry,  of  the  entry  into  town  of  Graham,  Alamance  County,  of  a  band 
of  outlaws  styled  by  themselves  Ku-Klux  Klan,  who  took  a  mulatto 
man  from  his  bed  and  hung  him,  and  threatened  to  hang  others,  it  is 
-believed,  only  on  account  of  republican  sentiment;  several  parties, 
black  and  white  men,  cruelly  whipped ;  the  band  in  the  county  is 
reported  about  900  strong,  under  the  leadership  of  one'  Moore.  Com- 
manding officer  post  of  Raleigh  asks  for  200  additional  troops  to  be  sent 
to  the  State.  Governor  Holden  calls  upon  the  department  commander 
for  a  larger  force  of  troops.  General  Cauby  says  the  reports  do  not 
show  that  insurrection  exists  or  is  imminent,  and  that,  under  existing 
laws,  he  is  of  -opinion  the  additional  troops  applied  for  by  the  governor 
can  only  be  furnished  by  authority  from  the  President,  Pamphlet  con- 
tains examination  before  Judge  Thomas,  third  district,  of  members  of 
Ku-Klux  Klan  for  murder,  conspiracy,  arson,  &c.,  in  Lenoir  County. 

The  Secretary  of  War,  March  10, 1870,  directed  that  a.  few  companies 
of  troops  be  sent  to  the  counties  in  insurrection,  and  General  Canby 
was  so  instructed  by  the  Adjutant  General  by  telegram  March  17,  1870. 

Genei  a;  Terry,  December  17,  1869,  forwards  official  communication  of 
Captain  Charles  1J.  Paul,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  relative  to  outrages  in 
Georgia.  Informed  sheriff  of  Walton  County  that  aid  would  be  furnished 
it'  df s  red,  but  was  not  called  upon,  and  since  that  time  two  or  three 
outrages  have  been  committed. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  7 

May  23,  1809,  Howell  C.  Flournoy,  justice  of  the  peace,  Athens, 
Georgia,  informs  Governor  Bullock  of  the  murder  of  a  colored  man  by 
one  Frank  Allison,  an  ex-confederate  soldier  and  a  noted  bad  character. 
No  arrest.  Says  the  country  is  in  an  alarming  state,  rumors  of  murders 
being-  constantly  heard. 

Report  of  Captain  Kline,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  of  an  investigation 
ordered  by  General  Terry  June  30, 1800,  in  regard  to  the  above  murder, 
states  the  negro  was  shot  by  Allison  without  provocation.  A  warrant 
issued  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  bailiff,  but  Allison  had  left  the  coun- 
try and  was  not  arrested.  Reports  the  murder  of  two  negroes  in  Clarke 
County  since  the  close  of  the  war,  the  murderers  in  each  case  escaping. 
States  there  is  no  evidence  of  the  increase  of  crime  since  the  war.  Does 
not  think  the  civil  officers  as  a  rule  are  disposed  to  act  promptly,  suf- 
fering criminals  to  make  their  escape.  Appends  report  of  examination 
of  Mr.  Flournoy  as  to  political  feeling,  &c.,  in  that  section. 

February  2,  18G9,  General  Canby,  commanding  Fifth  Military  Dis- 
trict, forwards  report  of  Captain  Sanger,  Seventeenth  Infantry,  relative 
to  recent  disturbances  in  and  about  Woodville,  Tyler  County,  Texas. 

Captain  Sanger,  being  dispatched  to  Woodville  to  effect  the  arrest  of 
W.  A.  Steele  and  G.  W.  Kirkwood,  charged  with  an  attempt  upon  his 
life,  was  met  by  an  armed  force  collected  by  these  men,  and  to  prevent 
a  collision,  his  force  often  men  not  being  able  to  cope  with  the  mob,  he 
took  possession  of  the  court-house,  where  he  was  besieged  until  relieved 
by  reinforcements  from  Lexington*  Repeated  threats  were  made  that 
the  building  would  be  burned,  &c.  Civil  authorities  acted  in  a  pusil- 
lanimous manner,  rendering  no  assistance.  Steele  and  Kirkwood,  with 
others  implicated,  afterward  voluntarily  surrendered  to  the  military 
authorities. 

Genera]  Reynolds,  July  15,  1861),  forwards  official  communication  of 
Second  Lieutenant  William  A.  Thompson,  Fourth  Cavalry,  reporting  out- 
rages committed  in  and  around  Helena,  Texas,  and  that  troops  are 
needed  to  preserve  order. 

General  Rousseau,  commanding  Department  of  Louisiana,  (Louisiana 
and  Arkansas,)  in  his  annual  report,  dated  October,  18C8,  mentions 
troubles  in  New  Orleans  and  State  of  Louisiana  as  follows : 

Riot  on  Canal  street,  New  Orleans ;  two  stores  gutted,  and  four  negroes 
killed ;  murder  of  sheriff',  Colonel  Pope,  and  Judge  Valentine  Chase, 
Saint  Mary's  Parish ;  another  riot  in  Canal  street,  negroes  killed  by 
democratic  procession;  killing  of  Mr.  Dura nd,  editor  of  "Progress," 
in  Saint  Landry  Parish  ;  no  arrests.  Necessity  for  troops  in  Saint  Ber- 
nard to  protect  colored  prisoners  from  mobs. 

Forwards  report  of  investigation  by  First  Lieutenant  Cawliu,  Nine- 
teenth Infantry,  of  troubles  in  Fulton  County,  Arkansas. 

September  13,  1809,  General  Ames,  commanding  Fourth  Military  Dis 
trict,  forwards  consolidated  report  of  outrages,  murders,  &c.,  committed 
in  that  district  since  March  10,  1869,  and  states  the  civil  authorities  fail 
to  administer  justice. 

This  report  contains  reports  of  post  commanders,  sheriffs,  and  others, 
relating  to  murders,  &c.,  in  aggregate  as  follows  :  murders  22,  and  up- 
ward of  40  outrages,  (including  murders,  assaults,  arson,  &c.,)  the  per- 
petrators, with  but  few  exceptions,  escaping. 

General  Ames,  in  addition  to  the  above,  reports,  as  occurring  since 
March,  ISO!),  thirty-two  murders,  (including  that  of  Colonel  Crane,)  thir- 
teen assaults  with  intent  to  kill,  and  thirteen  outrages:  states  that  a 
number  of  persons  charged  with  committing  these,  murders,  &c.,  \\ere 
arrested  by  troops  and  held  at  different  posts  for  trial  by  military  coin- 


8  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    liY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

mission,  thirteen  of  whom  were  taken  from  his  control  on  their  applica- 
tion to  the  United  States  judge. 

May  17, 1839,  Charles  W.  Arnold,  postmaster  at  Albany,  Georgia,  petf 
tious  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  protection  against  the  Ku-Klnx 
Klan,  which  infest  that  State.  States  that  an  attempt  has  been  made  to 
Ku-Klnx  him  at  Americas,  Georgia,  a  small  village  about  35  miles  from 
Albany,  while  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  as  revenue  assessor.  Further 
asserts  that  the  men  engaged  in  that  attempt  are  known  to  him  and  his 
family,  as  also  to  Colonel  W.  C.  Merrill,  revenue  collector,  second  dis- 
trict Georgia,  and  United  States  deputy  marshal  Cox,  residing  at 
Americus,  who  will  furnish  the  names  of  the  parties,  if  he  should  be 
murdered  hereafter.  Every  republican,  he  adds,  is  in  danger  of  losing 
his  life. 

From  an  investigation  made,  in  accordance  with  orders  from  the  War 
Department,  it  appears  that  an  assault  with  pistol  was  made  upon  Mr. 
Arnold  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  1809.  while  holding  the  appointment 
of  assistant  assessor  of  internal  revenue,  by  Mr.  Wells,  of  Americus. 
Georgia,  whom  he  had  detected  in  making  a  false  return.  Mr.  Arnold 
reported  the  matter  to  Colonel  Merrill,  United  States  commissioner  at 
Americus,  and  endeavored  to  get  him  to  issue  a  warrant  for  the  arrest 
of  Mr.  Wells,  but  Colonel  Morrill  thought  it  could  not  be  done,  as  the 
pistol  was  not  cocked,  and  was  not  attempted  to  be  fired.  On  the  same 
day,  about  dark,  he  was  informed  by  Mr.  Cox,  United  States  marshal, 
that  there  would  be  an  attempt  made  that  night  to  either  mob  or  assas- 
sinate him,  (Mr.  A.,)  and  that  Colonel  Morrill  had  sent  for  him  to  stay  at 
his  house.  It  appears  that  no  further  assaults  have  been  made  since 
the  occurrence  recited  above,  but  Captain  Fitch,  who  investigated  into 
the  matter,  concludes  from  conversations  he  had  with  various  citizens 
in  Albany,  that  there  is  not  a  little  ill-feeling  in  the  minds  of  the  people 
toward  Mr.  Arnold,  caused  by  his  being  a  radical. 

Mr.  Stephens,  a  ringleader  in  the  threatened  assault  on  Arnold,  is  one 
of  the  city  council,  and  acting  mayor  of  Americus.  His  character  is 
far  from  good. 

The  impression  made  on  Captain  Fitch's  mind  is,  that  Union  men  are 
in  no  more  danger  there  than  anywhere  else,  the  sentiment  of  the  masses, 
as  far  as  he  could  judge,  being  against  all  attempts  at  violent  proceed- 
ings. He  found  the  usual  prejudice  against  Yankees  and  those  who  are 
supposed  to  belong  to  the  radical  party,  but  this  prejudice  is  not  likely, 
in  his  opinion,  to  develop  any  disorderly  proceedings. 

September  27,  18G7,  Brigadier  General  E.  O.  C.  Ord,  commanding 
Fourth  Military  District,  submits  report  of  operations  within  his  com- 
mand during  the  year  1867,  and  states  that  while  the  reconstruction 
measures  of  Congress  are  unpopular  with  a  majority  of  the  white  people, 
their  execution  has  met  with  but  slight  opposition.  The  ignorant  and 
lawless,  from  whom  trouble  was  to  be  apprehended,  have  been  kept  in 
order  by  the  presence  of  troops,  distributed  for  that  purpose  throughout 
the  district.  The  operation  ef  the  civil  laws  has  not  been  interfered 
with,  except  to  remove  from  the  civil  courts  cases  of  crimes  charged 
upon  persons  who,  for  having  opposed  the  rebellion,  had  reason  to  fear 
prejudice  against  them;  also,  that  the  extension  of  suffrage  to  the  col- 
ored people  has  aroused  a  sentiment  of  hostility  to  them ;  and  he  is  led 
to  believe  that  a  larger  force  than  is  now  stationed  in  his  district  will 
be  necessary  to  protect  and  secure  the  freedmen  the  right  of  suffrage; 
and  if  protection  is  withdrawn,  the  Southern  people,  exasperated  at 
what  they  deem  the  freedmen's  presumption,  would  not  be  very  gentle 
toward  them. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  9 

August  5,  1S(>!».  Brevet  Colonel  John  It.  Edie,  commanding  post  of 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  reports  facts  in  relation  to  the  riot  in 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  on  the  26th  of  July,  1800,  in  which  twelve 
soldiers  were  struck  with  stones  and  other  missiles.  Forwarded  by  de- 
partment and  division  commanders. 

April  30,  1809,  Governor  Warmoth,  of  Louisiana,  in  a  communication 
to  General  Mower,  commanding-  Department  of  Louisiana,  inclosed 
letter  from  the  judge  of  the  twelfth  judicial  district  of  the  State,  rela- 
tive to  the  crime  and  lawlessness  prevailing  in  the  parish  of  Franklin, 
and  the  necessity  for  the  presence  of  United  States  troops  there  in  order 
to  secure  the  enforcement  of  laws  and  the  life  and  property  of  citi- 
zens, and  states  he  was  constrained  to  inform  him  that  at  present  there 
was  n  >  adequate  protection  for  the  law-abiding  citizens  of  that  parish, 
it  having  been  one  of  the  most  turbulent  in  the  State,  and  the  civil 
authorities  were  powerless  to  protect  them  ;  asked,  therefore,  that  a 
company  of  troops  be  sent  to  that  parish,  with  instructions  to  sustain 
the  civil  authorities. 

.May  o,  1809,  transmitted  by  General  Mower  for  the  information  of 
the  General  of  the  Army,  together  with  copy  of  Special  Orders  91,  of 
May  3,  18(59,  from  his  headquarters,  directing  one  company  of  the 
Nineteenth  Infantry  to  take  post  at  Winnsboro,  Franklin  Parish,  Lou- 
isiana. 

By  telegram  of  May  5,  1809,  from  this  office,  General  Mower  was  in- 
formed that  his  action  in  ordering  a  company  of  troops  to  Franklin 
Parish  had  been  approved  by  the  General  of  the  Army. 

January -9, 1809,  General  Canby,  commanding  Fifth  Military  District, 
forwards  report  of  Captain  Charles  Steelhammer,  commanding  post  of 
Canton,  Texas,  relative  to  the  revolutionary  and: desperate  character  of 
the  disfranchised  portion  of  the  community,  the  bitterness  between 
them  and  Union  men,  &c.  A  detachment  sent  out  by  him  was  attacked 
by  an  armed  force,  and  he  apprehended  further  attacks,  unless  the  gar- 
rison could  be  strengthened ;  civil  authorities  worthless  or  powerless. 
General  Canby  reports  similar  condition  of  affairs  in  other  parts  of  the 
State,  but  that  measures  had  been  taken  to  cause  the  authority  of  the 
United  States  to  be  respected.  . — i 

Citi/.ens  of  Greene  County,  Alabama,  requesting  the  Secretary  of 
War  to  locate  a  company  of  United  States  troops  in  Eutaw,  Greene 
County,  Alabama,  to  prevent  lawlessness. 

November  13,  1808.  The  governor  of  Georgia  transmits  correspond- 
ence between  the  mayor  of  the  city  of  Augusta  and  General  Meade, 
commanding  Department  of  the  South,  relative  to  an  election  to  be  held 
in  that  city  on  the  2d  of  December  next,  and  the  probability  of  trouble 
arising  therefrom. 

December  20,  1870,  Honorable  W.  B.  Stokes  inclosed  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  letters  of  B.  O.  Bowden,  dated  Jamestown, 
Tennessee,  December  12,  1870,  who  inclosed  letter  received  by  him  from 
the  Ku-Klux  Klan,  and  stated  that  the  treatment  of  Union  men  at  the 
hands  of  ex-rebels  is  shameful,  and  asks  for  protection. 

The  President  refers.  .January  •">,  ISTl.to  the  Secretary  of  War,  papers 
relative  to  trouble  in  North  Carolina: 

Printed  pamphlet  of  examination  before  Judge  Thomas,  third  district, 
of  members  of  Ku-Klux  Klan,  for  murder,  arson,  &c. 

Communication  from  Governor  Holden ;  incloses  printed  incidents  of 
outrages,  arsons,  and  murders,  committed  on  a  number  of  persons  in  dif- 
ferent counties,  including  the  murder  of  State  Senator  Stephens. 

Governor   llolden  forwards   copies   of  reports,  &c.,   of  outrages   in 


10  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

Chatham  County  ;  report  of  violence  and  outrages  in  Person  County; 
school-house  burned  at  Ashboro,  with  Ku-Klux outrages  ;  Ku-Klux  out- 
rages and  assaults  in  Wayne  County ;  some  reports  from  Stokes  County, 
and  no  action  taken  by  State  authorities ;  several  reports  from  Ala- 
mance  County,  violence,  &c.,  and  request  for  protection  from  outrages 
perpetrated  upon  republicans  by  disguised  men  ;  list  of  names  of  about 
25  persons  who  have  been  whipped,  robbed,  threatened  with  death,  or 
shot,  in  Lincoln  County ;  oath  of  the  "  White  Brotherhood,"  or  Ku-Klux 
Klan,  and  exposition  of  the  organization  by  an  alleged  member. 

The  President  also  forwards  a  letter  from  W.  Stanley,  corroborated 
by  Charles  W.  Betts,  dated  Memphis,  Tennessee,  December  30,  1870, 
giving  at  length  an  account  of  affairs  in  the  State  of  Mississippi,  where 
he  was  outraged,  robbed,  and  from  whence  forced  to  flee  to  save  his 
life. 

August  17,  1869,  General  Halleck,  commanding  Division  of  the  South, 
forwarded  papers  in  case  of  riot  in  Mobile;  Alabama,  August  5,  18C9,  in 
which  2  men  were  killed,  and  5  or  G  wounded. 

General  Terry,  September,  18G9,  forwarding  official  communication 
of  First  Lieutenant  Eugene  B.  Gibbs,  United  States  Army,  relative  to  the 
murder  of  Alfred  Robinson,  killed  August  14, 1809 ;  the  attempted  murder 
of  Mr.  Marshman,  (white,)  and  the  murder  of  Allen  Justice,  (colored.) 

The  murder  of  Alfred  Robinson  and  other  colored  men  was  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  all  the  crops  which  were  worked  on  shares,  and 
which  were  then  being  harvested. 

^  December  19,  1868,  Major  General  Meade,  commanding  Department 
of  the  South,  forwarded  correspondence  between  himself,  the  United 
States  deputy  marshal,  and  the  commissioner,  southern  district  of 
Georgia,  relative  to  certain  desperate  characters  known  as  the  Ku-Klux 
Klan. 

In  a  letter  dated  July  20,  1870,  his  Excellency  W.  W.  Holden, 
governor  of  North  Carolina,  informed  his  Excellency  the  President  of 
the  United  States  that  the  counties  of  Alamance  and  Caswell,  in  that 
State,  had  been  declared  in  a  state  of  insurrection,  he  having  power  to 
do  this  under  the  State  constitution  and  laws  of  the  general  assembly. 
That  he  had  embodied  militia,  occupied  said  counties,  and  made  impor- 
tant arrests ;  four  of  those  arrested  having  sued  out  writs  of  habeas  cor- 
pus. Resistance  being  threatened,  he  considered  it  very  important  that 
a  regiment  of  Federal  troops  be  at  once  sent  to  the  State,  and  those 
already  there  be  ordered  to  aid  him  promptly.  Stated  that  Colonel  Kirk 
had  350  white  men  in  command,  and  he  had,  in  Raleigh,  100  colored 
troops  and  60  white;  at  Hillsborough  50  white  men,  and  in  Gastou 
County  GO;  his  whole  force  being  not  over  600.  Deemed  it  his  duty  to 
acquaint  the  President  of  this,  &c.  Looked  for  important  disclosures 
regarding  the  "  Ku-Klux"  organization,  before  the  military  court  which 
he  had  organized.  Believed,  from  evidence,  that  Ex-President  Johnson 
is  at  the  head  of  the  order,  and  General  Forrest  engaged  with  it, 
&c.  This  letter  was  referred  fco  the  Secretary  of  War,  by  order  of  the 
President,  with  directiens  to  send  six  companies  to  Raleigh,  if  possible, 
to  be  "held  in  readiness  to  preserve  the  peace  and  enforce  the  laws,  in 
case  their  services  should  be  required,"  and  General  Meade  was  in- 
structed accordingly  July  25,  1870. 

July  30,  1870,  Captain  G.  B.  Rodney,  commanding  a  company  of  the 
Fourth  Artillery,  at  Yanceyville,  North  Carolina,  reported  that  there 
was  no  chance  of  collision  between  the  citizens  and  State  troops;  that 
Colonel  Kirk  feared  an  attack  and  barricaded  the  court-house,  &c.,  his 
whole  cause  of  alarm  being  foolish  reports  of  negroes.  Cited  some  in- 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  11 

stances  to  slio\v  that  the  cimers  v.-eiv  peacefully  inclined.  Knew  and 
saw  nothing:  of  any  "  Ku-Klr.- 

August  2,  1S70,  Ci>lonel  I  Iain,  Fii'r'i  Artillery,  assumed  command  of 
District  of  North  Carolina,  headquarters  at  Baleigb,  North  Carolina, 
and  reported,  August  4,  1870,  that  if  the  State  troops  acted  with 
reasonable  discretion,  it  was  his  impression  there  would  be  no  violence, 
unless  prisoners  were  tried,  condemned,  and  executed  by  military  courts, 
when  there  might  be  resistance  offered  by  the  civil  authorities  or  the 
people.  Thought  interference  by  United  States  troops  in  such  case  a 
grave  question,  no  official  recognition  of  insurrection  having  been  pro- 
claimed. &ir.  Requested  further  information  as  to  the  extent  to  which 
United  States  troops  should  be  employed,  Referred  to  the  above  letter 
of  Captain  Rodney,  who  he  considered  as  possessing  good  judgment. 

General  McDowell  (August  8, 1870)  concurs  in  the  views  of  Colonel 
Hunt, 

August  10, 1870,  General  Meade  referred  the  above  papers  to  the  War 
Department,  requesting  specific  instructions  for  Colonel  Hunt,  and  stat- 
ing that  officer  had  been  directed  to  confine  the  use  of  his  troops  to 
keeping  the  peace,  until  further  orders. 

August  12,  1870,  the  Secretary  of  War  approved  the  instructions  of 
General  Meade,  and  referred  to  opinion  of  Attorney  General,  advidng 
the  State  authorities  to  yield  to  the  United  States  judiciary. 

August  8,  1870,  Captain  Throckmorton,  Fourth  Artillery,  reported 
relative  to  the  shooting  of  Private  James  Bradley,  Fourth  Artillery,  by 
Private  James  Pugh,  Company  H,  First  North  Carolina  State  troops, 
and  from  this  and  reports  on  the  same  case  by  Lieutenant  C.  N.  Warner, 
Fourth  Artillery,  and  Colonel  Hunt,  Fourth  Artillery,  it  appears  that 
Bradley,  returning  from  the  city  to  his  camp,  and  being  in  an  intoxicated 
condition,  passed  near  the  camp  of  the  State  troops  between  1  and  2 
o'clock  a.  in.,  was  challenged,  and  failing  to  answer,  was  fired  upon  by 
a  sentinel,  acting  in  accordance  with  orders  received  from  his  superiors. 
The  officers  of  the  State  troops  (Colonel  Clark  and  Major  Miller)  ac- 
knowledged having  given  such  instructions,  and  the  case  was  dismissed 
by  the  civil  authorities  after  examination.  Generals  McDowell  and 
Meade  thought  it  advisable  to  remove  the  State  troops  to  prevent  col- 
lisions. 

In  connection  with  the  above  are  reports  of  Captain  Frank  G.  Smith 
and  Colonel  Hunt.  Fourth  Artillery,  tending  to  show  that  the -citizens 
generally  were  quiet  and  well  disposed,  the  only  trouble  apprehended 
being  in  regard  to  the  service  of  writs  of  habeas  corpus  issued  by  the 
United  States  district  judge  in  the  cases  of  prisoners  held  by  Colonel 
Kirk,  at  Yanceyville,  which  it  was  thought  might  cause  a  collision  be- 
tween the  United  States  and  State  troops,  in  case  the  former  were  called 
on  to  aid  in  serving  the  writs,  as  was  expected  by  Colonel  Hunt.  That 
officer  also  stated  that  there  Avas  a  feeling  of  uneasiness  in  the  commu- 
nity from  vague  apprehensions  of  "Ku-Klux,"  kept  alive  by  the  pres- 
ence of  State  troops,  whose  fear  from  this  source  had  led  to  serious 
mischief,  as  witnessed  in  the  shooting  of  Bradley,  £c. 

September  !>.  1870,  the  President  directed  that  the  military  district  of 
North  Carolina  be  discontinued,  and  Colonel  Hunt  return  to  his  proper 
station.  Also,  that  Governor  llolden  be  requested  to  inform  the  War 
Department  at  the  earliest  moment  the  United  States  troops  could  safely 
be  withdrawn. 

September  1G,  1870,  information  was  received  at  the  War  Department 
that  Governor  llolden  no  longer  needed  the  artillery  companies  at  Ra- 
leigh, and  one  company  could  be  spared  from  Yanceyville;  one  company 


12  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

of  men  at  Raleigh,  one  at  Graham,  and  one  at  Yanceyville  being-  deemed 
sufficient. 

July  20, 1867,  Major  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  Depart- 
ment of  the  Cumberland,  forwarded  report  of  Brevet  Major  General 
William  P.  Carlin,  assistant  commissioner  of  the  Freedinen's  Bureau, 
State  of  Tennessee,  dated  Nashville,  Tennessee,  July  15,  18G7,  relative 
to  the  riot  which  occurred  at  Franklin,  Tennessee,  July  6, 1867,  between 
a  body  of  conservatives  (principally  ex-rebel  soldiers)  and  negroes  on 
one  side,  and  the  "  Colored  Loyal  League"  on  the  other,  with  the  follow 
ing  remarks:  "Further  testimony  regarding  this  matter,  now  being  col 
lected  by  Captain  D.  W.  Burke,  Second  Infantry,  will  be  forwarded  as 
soon  as  obtained." 

General  Meade,  commanding  Department  of  the  South,  forwards  to 
the  headquarters  of  the  Army  papers  relative  to  troubles  at  Camilla. 
Mitchell  County,  Georgia,  as  follows : 

Copy  of  preamble  and  resolutions  of  Young  Men's  Democratic  Club, 
Albany,  Georgia,  denying  air  alleged  report  that  members  of  the  same 
were  connected  with  the  Camilla  riot.  Copies  of  affidavits  from  Sheriff 
Poore,  John  Murphy,  William  P.  Pierce,  P.  II.  nines,  (freedman.)  and 
others,  in  regard  to  Camilla  riot,  taken  before  Brevet  Major  O.  II.  How 
ard,  sub-assistant  commissioner  Bureau  Refugees,  Freedinen  and  Aban- 
doned Lands,  the  mayor,  of  Albany,  and  justice  of  the  peace.  Proceed- 
ings of  a  meeting  of  citizens  of  Albany,  expressing  regret  at  the  riot,  &<•. 
Report  of  investigation  made  of  Camilla  affair  by  Captain  William  Mills, 
Sixteenth  Infantry ;  that  he  is  unable  to  find  any  proof  that  the  colored  peo- 
ple were  advised  by  the  white  men  who  went  to  address  them  to  go  armed 
to  Camilla,  and  that  no  action  had  been_  taken  by  the  civil  authorities 
in  the  matter  at  date  of  visit.  Papers  submitted  to  the  President  by 
the  Secretary  of  War  October  8,  1868. 

The  Adjutant  General  informs  General  Terry,  under  date  of  October 
— ,  1870,  that  the  Secretary  of  War  desires  troops  to  be  ordered  to  Ala- 
bama from  October  15  to  November  15,  the  whole  force  to  be  under 
command  of  General  Crawford,  with  authority  to  move  companies  from 
point  to  point.  Inclosed  is  a  letter  from  Thomas  M.  Peters  to  Senator 
Warner,  dated  September  25,  1870,  in  which  it  is  stated  that  in  many 
sections  of  Alabama  the  public  authorities  are  not  competent  to  give 
protection  to  the  life  arid  limb  of  the  citizen.  The  loyal  inhabitants, 
particularly  the  colored  people,  should  receive  protection  of  Govern- 
ment. 

General  Terry,  in  a  telegram 'dated  October  22,  1870,  informs  Gene- 
ral Sherman  that  the  governor  of  South  Carolina  asked  to  have  move- 
ment of  Eighth  Infantry  delayed,  but  has  refused  his  request ;  has  or- 
dered two  companies  of  troops  to  Newburg  Court  House,  the  point  to 
which  the  insurgents  are  proceeding. 

Captain  John  Christopher,  Eighteenth -Infantry,  reports  October  23, 
1870,  the  departure  of  one  company  for  Laurens,  South  Carolina,  to  assist 
in  preserving  peace. 

The  governor  of  South  Carolina  telegraphs  October  21, 1870,  that  ex- 
rebel  soldiers  have  attacked  and  captured  the  town  of  Laurens.  killing 
many  persons,  seizing  the  ballot-boxes,  and  marching  on  other  towns 
for  a  like  purpose,  committing  outrages  on  their  route.  Should  have 
additional  troops. 

November  7,  1870,  John  A.  Moss  writes  to  the  Secretary  of  War  from 
Selma,  Alabama,  dwelling  upon  the  disturbed  condition  of  affairs,  and 
asking  that  the  whole  State  be  placed  under  the  regulations  of  the  mil- 
itary. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  13 

October  1,  1867,  Brigadier  General  John  Pope,  commanding  Third 
Military  District,  reports  operations  since  assuming  command,  April  1, 
1867  ;  also  furnishes  copies  of  orders  issued  by  him  to  carry  out  recon- 
struction acts  and,  correspondence  in  relation  thereto  with  Provisional 
Governor  C.  J.  Jenkins,  of  Alabama,  and  Hon.  Augustus  Reese,  of 
Madison,  Georgia.  Invites  attention  to  inclosed  newspaper  containing 
i  speech  delivered  in  Atlanta,  Georgia,  by  B.  H.  Hill,  late  a  senator  in 
•  he  rebel  congress,  and  states  the  hopelessness  of  reconstruction  while 
such  men  retain  intluenee. 

General  Hancock,  commanding  Fifth  Military  District,  forwards  with 
his  annual  report  for  the  year  ending  October  31, 1868,  the  following 
papers  relative  to  troubles  in  Texas :  Report  from  headquarters  district 
of  Texas,  Austin,  of  disturbances  at  Marshall,  Texas;  that  "  it  appears 
that  the  sheriff.  Perry,  and  his  deputy,  Adams,  not  only  failed  to  exert 
themselves  to  preserve  the  peace,  but  have  been  the  leaders  in  the  dis- 
turbance." Report  of  investigation  into  the  matter  by  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel Wood,  First  Infantry;  correspondence  between  General  Hancock 
and  Judge  a Pease  relative  to  the  operation  of  General  Orders  No.  40, 
Fifth  Military  District,  of  1807,  announcing  tfle  action  to  be  taken  in 
i-ivil  affairs,  &C. 

Major  General  P.  St.  George  Cooke,  commanding  Department  of  the 
Cumberland,  in  his  annual  report,  dated  October  28,  1869,  states  that 
uout  of  the  cities  and  off  from  the  great  lines  of  travel  and  commerce 
in  the  interior  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  negroes  and  white  Unionists 
enjoy  little  protection  of  law  to  person  or  property,  and  the  freedom  of 
the  negroes  is  a  mockery.  While  I  write,  the  public  prints  record  a 
Ku-Klux  action — submitted  to,  of  course — in  which,  breakinginto  houses, 
they  murdered  one  and  maimed  another  white  man ;  *  scourged  most 
unmercifully'  a  white  man  and « several  negroes.' " 

July  IT),  1X68,  Governor  Harrison  Reed,  of  the  State  of  Florida,  trans- 
mits papers,  arguments,  &c.,  in  case  of  W.  J.  Brannen,  a  civilian,  tried 
June,  1868,  at  Bainbridge,  Georgia,  by  a  military  commission,  charged 
with  murder;  convicted  and  sentenced;  arrested  in  his  transit  through 
Florida,  and  ordered  released  on  writ  of  habeas  corpus.  This  order 
was  disobeyed  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  prisoner,  who  is  now,  by 
General  Meade's  order,  serving  out  a  ten  years'  sentence  in  the  State 
penitentiary  of  Georgia. 

Major  General  George  G.  Meade,  commanding  Department  of  the 
South,  transmits,  October  17,  1868,  to  Army  headquarters,  a  communi- 
cation from  Governor  Holden,  of  North  Carolina,  who  asks  that  troops 
may  be  sent  to  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  and  also  that  they  be  dis- 
persed throughout  the  State. 

Communication  from  Governor  Scott,  of  South  Carolina,  who  states 
Mint  the  State  is  overrun  with  lawless  mobs,  and  requests  that  the 
troops  be  stationed  at  different  points  to  protect  the  citizens ;  also  in- 
closes two  communications  from  gentlemen  showing  the  condition  of 
affairs  in  the  upper  counties. 

Communication  from  Governor  Scott,  stating  that  the  civil  authori- 
ties are  powerless  to  keep  the  peace;  that  armed  bands  patrol  certain 
counties,  and  that  in  York  and  Chester  the  civil  authorities  have  no 
representatives;  and  that  one  James  Martin,  member  of  the  legislature, 
was  murdered  in  the  high-road.  He  requests  that  United  States  troops 
be  furnished  to  aid  the  State  government  in  enforcing  the  laws,  and 
mentions  outrages  in  Newberry  County. 

August  19,  1868,  Brevet  Major  General  Buchanan,  commanding  De- 
partment of  Louisiana,  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  a  letter  of  instruc 


14  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

tions  relative  to  assistance  to  be  afforded  by  troops  in  his  department  to 
civil  authorities,  in  case  of  domestic  disturbances  arising  therein.  He 
incloses  a  copy  of  his  orders  in  the  premises,  and  contradicts  statements 
published  by  Governor  Warmoth,  of  Louisiana,  as  to  the  number  of 
murders  committed  in  that  State. 

August  11,  1868,  Major  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  De- 
partment of  the  Cumberland,  forwards  to  the  Adjutant  General  for  in- 
structions a  communication  from  W.  T.  Prosser,  chairman  of  the  house 
committee  on  military  affairs,  Tennessee  legislature ;  also  a  copy  of  a . 
resolution  of  State  house  of  representatives  on  the  subject  of  calling  on 
the  United  States  authorities  to  furnish  the  State  with  a  military  force 
to -aid  the  governor  to  restore  the  peace. 

August  4,  1868,  Governor  Smith,  of  Alabama,  transmits  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  War  a  copy  of  a  petition  of  the  citizens  and  a  resolution  of  the 
councils  of  Montgomery.  Alabama,  asking  for  the  retention  of  United 
States  troops  in  the  city,  and  recommends  that  a  portion  of  the  troops 
be  allowed  to  remain. 

July  30,  1808,  Major  General  Meade  reports  by  telegraph  to  General 
Grant  that  he  has  been  advised  that  the  civil  authorities  of  Augusta, 
Georgia,  are  about  to  be  resisted  by  a  combination  made  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  asks  for  instructions  if  the  military  authorities  are  expected 
to  keep  order  and  peace. 

August  1, 1868,  Governor  Smith,  of  Alabama,  and  other  State  officers, 
protest  against  the  removal  of  the  United  States  forces  in  that  State  to 
Huntsville,  in  the  northern  part,  and  ask  that  General  Meade's  order 
may  be  revoked,  and  the  troops  remain  quartered  as  heretofore. 

Governor  Smith  asks  that  the  company  of  United  States  troops  sta- 
tioned at  Selma,  Alabama,  under  marching  orders,  be  permitted  to  re- 
main for  the  present. 

July  8, 1868,  Major  General  Meade,  commanding  Third  District,  reports 
military  control  in  Florida  under  the  reconstruction  laws  having  ceased, 
and  incloses  General  Orders  issued  and  correspondence  between  General 
Sprague  and  Governor  Heed,  of  Florida.  (Thirteen  inclosures.) 

September  1,  1868,  Brevet  Major  General  It.  E.  Buchanan,  command- 
ing Department  of  Louisiana,  incloses,  for  the  information  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  communications  from  the  governor  of  Louisi- 
ana making  application  for  troops,  with  General  Buchanan's  reply 
thereto ;  also  incloses  a  copy  of  a  circular  containing  instructions  to 
commanding  officers.  &c.,  and  asks  to  be  notified  of  its  approval.  (Five 
iuclosures.) 

October  9,  1868,  Major  General  Meade,  commanding  Department  of 
the  South,  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  resolutions  passed  at  a  mass- 
meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Lowndes  County,  Alabama,  forwarded  to  him 
by  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States.  (One  iuclosure.) 

August  24.  1868,  Major  General  Meade,  commanding  Department  of 
the  South,  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  a  communication  from  the  Ad- 
jutant General's  Office,  referring  telegram  of  the  governor  of  Alabama, 
asking  that  the  company  of  troops  at  Selma  be  retained  there,  and  be- 
lieves that  no  necessity  for  troops  exists  at  Selma.  (Two  iuelosures.) 

October  8, 1868,  General  Meade,  commanding  Department  of  the  South, 
acknowledges  the  receipt,  through  the  Governor  of  Alabama,  of  a  letter 
covering  resolutions  and  memorial  of  the  Alabama  legislature,  with 
the  action  of  the  President  thereon,  and  states  that  the  governor  is  sat- 
isfied with  the  proposed  distribution  of  the  troops  in  Alabama. 

October  25,  1868,  General  Eousseau,  commanding  Department  ot 
Louisiana,  reports  riots  in  New  Orleans  on  the  night  of  the  134th  instant, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  15 

in  which  several  Avhites  and  blacks  were  killed  and  wounded.  The 
troops  were  ordered  out  and  suppressed  the  riots. 

May  31,  1807,  Thomas  K.  Kuowltou,  residing  near  Vicksbnrg,  Missis- 
sippi, reports  an  attack  made  upon  him  by  four  armed  men  on  account 
of  his  Unionism.  Gives  names  of  the  men  who  attacked  him,  and  men- 
tions threats  made  by  them  against  certain  colored  men  for  registering. 
Eefers  as  to  his  character  to  Hon.  J.  Oovode,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  re- 
quests protection  from  military  authorities. 

March  7,  1870,  Lieutenant  Colonel  E.  S.  Granger,  Sixteenth  Infantry, 
commanding  post  of  Jackson,  Mississippi,  incloses  for  the  information 
of  the  Adjutant  General  an  extract  from  a  personal  letter  received  by 
the  adjutant  of  that  post  from  Lieutenant  I.  S.  Shelby,  Sixteenth  In- 
fantry. The  letter  is  dated  Meridian,  Mississippi,  March  3,  1870. 

Lieutenant  Shelby  states  that  he  has  no  official  knowledge  of  the  dis- 
continuance of  the  Fourth  Military  District ;  that  he  took  the  responsi- 
bility upon  himself  on  the  evening  of  March  1,  to  arrest  a  man  named 
Jamison  at  Lauderdale  for  murder,  the  civil  authorities  not  seeming 
disposed  to  act  in  the  matter;  that  a  writ  w<\s  served  on  him  at  his  own 
request,  and  he  turned  the  prisoner  over  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county, 
and  that  a  preliminary  examination  of  the  case  would  be  heard  the  fol- 
lowing day.  Says  that  within  three  weeks  one  colored  man  was  taken 
out,  tried,  and  punished ;  another  has  been  beaten  and  shot,  another 
killed,  and  another  mortally  wounded,  near  the  little  village  of  Lauder- 
dale, and  all  done  by  a  party  of  white  meii  ;  that  the  white  people  up 
there  did  not  even  attempt  to  discover  who  the  perpetrators  of  this  mur- 
der were,  though  to  him  they  were  loud  in  their  professions  of  a  desire 
to  bring  them  to  justice,  and  he  believes  that  at  least  half  of  the  white 
people  of  Lauderdale  know  who  the  murderers  are,  and  yet  they  will 
screen  them  from  justice. 

Colonel  Granger  says  that  a  copy  of  Lieutenant  Shelby's  letter  has 
been  forwarded  to  the  department  commander,  and  that  he  (Lieutenant 
S.)  had  been  ordered  to  join  his  proper  station  (Jackson)  before  the 
receipt  of  the  letter,  and  he  presumed  ,he  would  arrive  that  day, 
(March  7.) 

Mrs.  Dr.  Brown  informs  the  President  that  great  outrages  are  being 
perpetrated  in  Danville  by  a  band  of  outlaws  called  K.  K.  C.  or  E.  E. 
C.;  the  indistinctness  of  the  writing  makes  it  doubtful.  She  says  they 
kill  innocent  men  if  they  have  the  least  spite  against  them;  they  take 
them  out  and  hang  them.  People  are  actually  afraid  to  go  to  sleep  at 
night,  for  they  don't  know  what  moment  they  may  be  taken  out  and  hung. 
She  asks  that  a  company  of  soldiers  be  stationed  there  to  put  down  the 
K.  E.  C.,  and  begs  the  President,  if  he  has  any  feelings  at  all,  to  send 
them  as  soon  as  possible.  She  desires  that  her  name  may  not  be  known, 
as  her  life  would  not  be  worth  a  straws  She  writes  from  Louisville,  for 
she  would  be  afraid  to  put  it  in  their  post  office. 


Synopsis  of  sub-reports  accompanying  the  annual  report  of  General  Joseph 
A.  Mower,  commanding  Department  of  Louisiana. 

Under  date  of  May  9,  1809,  Captain  Frank  M.  Coxe,  commanding  at 
Opelousas,  Louisiana,  reports  that  "although  everything  indicates  quiet 
and  order,  it  is  not  difficult  to  discern  a  temper  (only  suppressed  by  the 
presence  of  troops)  which,  if  uncontrolled,  would  jeopardize  the  life  of 


16  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    IiY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

any  republican  in  his  public  expression  of  opinion."  Again,  on  the. 
16th  of  May,  be  reports  further  in  regard  to  what  he  styles  the  reign  of 
terror  in  that  place,  and  says.  "  every  true  Union  man  is  possessed  with  a 
dread  of  ultimate  danger  of  life,  family,  and  property,  should  he  betray 
a  thought  or  act  of  republican  fellowship ;"  that  many  murders  have 
been  committed;  but  the  surviving  fathers,  brothers,  and  sons  of  the 
victims  dare  not  whisper  a  word  in  conviction  of  the  perpetrators,  al- 
though they  are  well  known  in  nearly  every  case. 

May  24,  the  same  officer  relates  the  circumstances  attending  the 
shooting  of  John  C.  Tucker,  assistant  assessor  of  internal  revenue,  in 
the  streets  of  Opelousas  on  the  preceding  night,  and  the  failure  of  the 
civil  authorities  to  act  in  the  matter. 

First  Lieutenant  R.  Vance,  Nineteenth  Infantry,  reports  from  Wiuns- 
boro,  Louisiana,  August  0,  1809,  in  compliance  with  orders  from  head- 
quarters Department  of  Louisiana,  to  investigate  all  murders  and  out- 
rages committed  in  Franklin  Parish  during  the  last  year;  that  during 
that  time  there  have  been  12  homicides  committed  within  that  parish,  <> 
white  men  and  6  colored ;  o  cases  only  have  received  any  notice  what- 
ever from  the  civil  authorities.  In  2  of  the  5  the  murderers  surrendered 
themselves  to  a  justice  of  the  peace,  who  acquitted  them.  The  other 
three  were  mere  mockeries  of  inquest  by  a  person  acting  as  coroner. 

In  one  case  a  negro  was  shot  down  while  plowing  in  the  field  by  a 
white  man,  as  testified  to  by  a  witness  in  court  who  saw  the  deed  com- 
mitted, but  no  arrests  were  made. 

Some  negroes  were  surrounded  in  their  house  by  a  party  of  white 
men,  who,  after  firing  into  the  house  and  killing  several  of  the  negroes, 
set  tire  to  the  place,  consuming  with  it  the  dead  bodies  of  those  they 
had  shot.  Another  negro  met  a  similar  fate  at  another  time  and  place  : 
and  another  was  killed  at  the  court-house  door  while  the  court  was  in 
session,  between  sunset  and  dark,  and  his  body  permitted  to  lie  where 
it  fell  until  late  the  next  morning,  when,  although  many  saw  and  heard 
the  firing,  no  one  could  be  found  who  knew  anything  about  it. 

Whipping  negroes  to  compel  obedience  to  contracts  is  practiced  as 
much  as  at  any  time  under  the  old  system,  the  negroes  having  no  voice 
in  making  the  terms;  being  told  that  unless  they  make  certain  con- 
tracts with  certain  parties  they  will  be  killed.  Compliance  has  been 
thus  forced  upon  them,  and  so  general  has  this  whipping  become  that 
it  excites  neither  notice  or  comment. 

In  his  supplemental  report  General  Mower  relates  the  circumstances 
of  the  murder  of  Hon.  John  Hinds,  member  of  Congress,  at  Little 
River,  Arkansas,  together  with  two  freedraen  in  October,  1800. 

The  commanding  officer  of  the  District  of  Arkansas  reports  that  the 
Freedmen's  Bureau  agent  of  Little  River  County  has  been  killed ;  the 
agent  for  Crittendeu  County  seriously  wounded  in  an  attempt  by  Ku- 
Klux  to  kill  him;  the  agents  for  Mississippi,  Tell,  and  Chicot  Counties 
have  been  forced  to  abandon  their  posts,  and  the  United  States  deputy 
marshal  for  Napoleon  dares  not  assume  his  duties  unless  sustained  by 
military  authority. 

June  14, 1809,  J.  De  F.  Richards,  professor  and  president  pro  tem.'of 
university  at  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama,  in  a  communication  addressed  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  bearing  the  signatures  of  three  other  professors 
of  that  university,  states  that  there  exists  in  that  section  of  the  State 
a  most  deplorable  condition  of  things,  those  opposed  to  the  measures  of 
reconstruction  as  adopted  by  Congress  being  exceedingly  hostile  and 
bitter  against  all  who  may  differ  from  them  politically,  especially  against 
Northern  men  and  the  colored  people.  This  extreme  hostility,  it  is 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  17 

thought,  exhibits  itself  in  frequent  acts  of  violence,  murder,  and  assas- 
sination, and  it  is  asserted  that  not  less  than  twenty  good  and  law- 
abiding  citizens  of  Tuscaloosa  County  have  been  murdered  by  bands  of 
outlaws  within  the  past  few  months,  yet  not  the  first  step  has  been  taken 
to  arrest  and  punish  the  guilty,  or  protect  the  innocent.  States  that 
these  disloyal,  democratic  reconstructionists  and  felons  laugh  at  the  civil 
authorities  and  commit  murder  openly  in  sight  of  the  court-house.  Says 
it  is  understood  that  a  petition  has  been  sent  to  the  War  Department  by 
certain  citizens  of  Tuscaloosa  praying  for  the  removal  of  the  company 
of  militia  at  that  place,  stating  as  a  reason  that  their  presence  is  not 
wanted  there,  and  earnestly  implores  that  the  request  be  not  granted, 
as  it  is  made  by  disloyal  people  only.  He  would  rather  see  Tuscaloosa 
made  a  permanent  military  post,  and  the  county  put  under  military  law. 
Then,  and  not  till  then,  can  the  community  entertain  any  hope  ;  he  says 
that  criminals  in  their  midst  will  be  suitably  punished,  and  loyal  citizens 
protected. 

June  25,  1SGD,  General  Terry,  commanding  Department  of  the  South, 
to  whom  this  communication  was  referred,  returns  the  same  with  in- 
dorsement stating  that  "  no  intention  is  entertained  of  removing  the 
garrison  of  the  post  of  Tuscaloosa,  Alabama.  The  place  will  be  occu- 
pied unless  orders  to  the  contrary  are  received  from  superior  headquar- 
ters." 

July  0,  1869,  General  W.  T.  Sherman,  in  submitting  the  paper  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  remarks  :  "  There  is  no  purpose  to  remove  the  com- 
panies from  Tuscaloosa  as  long  as  General  Terry  deems  their  presence 
there  essential." 

November  1,  1868,  General  Gillem,  commanding  Fourth  Military  Dis- 
trict, submits  report  of  operations  in  his  command  for  the  year  ending 
that  date,  mentions  the  difficulty  existing  between  the  planters  and  the 
laborers  in  regard  to  pay  for  labor,  and  to  the  difficulty  of  obtaining 
justice  before  the  minor  courts;  also  that  it  is  almost  an  impossibility 
to  identity  criminals,  they  committing  their  crimes  (murder)  at  night  and 
in  disguise. 

August  31,  1868,  General  E.  K.  S.  Canby  forwards  report  of  affairs 
in  (late)  Second  Military  District,  (States  of 'North  and  South  Carolina,) 
from  date  of  last  report  to  discontinuance  of  the  district;  says  very  few 
instances  of  grave  disorders  or  outrages  occurred  in  either  State  during 
this  period.  In  South  Carolina,  the  most  important  of  these  that  par- 
took of  a  political  character  were  the  riot  in  Pickens  district  on  the  12th 
of  October,  1867,  and  the  assassination  of  Mr.  S.  G.  W.  Dill,  of  Ker- 
shaw  County,  on  the  4th  of  June,  1868.  No  other  cases  of  disorders  are 
mentioned  in  the  report. . 

November  14,  1870,  the  commanding  officer,  Baton  Kouge,  Louisiana, 
submitted  a  report  of  his  action  during  the  election  riot  at  that  place, 
November  7,  1870,  showing  that  the  rioters  numbered  about  200  men, 
armed  with  muskets,  shot-guns,  revolvers,  &c.,  and  that  during  the 
riot  at  the  court-house  two  colored  men  were  wounded,  one  of  whom 
died,  and  opposite  the  court-house  Hon.  Jos.  L.  Official,  republican 
member  elect  to  the  legislature,  was  found  wounded,  and  he  died  the 
next  day.  The  casualties  were  4  killed  and  20  wounded. 

Transmitted  by  department  and  dirision  commanders. 

December  2,  1870,  the  same  officer  reported  an  attempt  to  assassinate 
Lieutenant  Bandy,  Nineteenth  Infantry,  at  Baton  Rouge,  and  said  that 
unless  military  protection  was  given,  the  lives  of  citizens  and  officers 
S.  Ex.  16 2 


18  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

who  testified  against  the  rioters  would  be  in  danger,  lie  was  directed 
by  the  department  commander  to  protect  his  own  command,  and  leave, 
the  civil  authorities  to  take  care  of  the  citizens. 

January  25,  1867, -General  Sheridan,  commanding  Department  of  the 
Gulf,  forwards  copies  of  communication  from  Charles  II.  Leonard,  mayor 
of  Galveston,  Texas,  asking  authority  for  citizens  to  give  escort  to  remains 
of  General  Sidney  Johnston,  and  reply  thereto,  sustaining  action  of 
General  Griffin,  who  prohibited  the  demonstration ;  also,  report  con- 
cerning the  condition  of  freedmen  and  Union  men  in  Texas  ;  states  that 
freedmen  are  shot  and  Union  men  persecuted  if  they  express  their 
opinion. 

January  19,  1807,  Colonel  J.  J.  Reynolds,  commanding  subdistrict 
Rio  Grande,  reports  the  firing  upon  a  patrol  of  colored  troops  on  the 
night  of  the  16th  instant,  by  policemen,  in  Brownsville,  Texas ;  the 
patrol  returned  the  fire,  mortally  wounding  two  of  their  assailants. 
From  evidence  obtained  the  patrol  was  not  to  blame. 

August  19,  1869,  General  Halleck  transmits  report  of  General  Terry, 
commanding  Department  of  the  South,  relative  to  outrages  in  Georgia,  in 
which  he  says  :  "  Now,  I  have  reluctantly  come  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  situation  here  demands  the  interposition  of  the  National  Govern- 
ment, in  order  that  life  %aud  property  may  be  protected,  freedom  of 
speech  and  political  action*  secured,  and  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the 
freedmen  maintained.7' 

Cites  in  support  of  his  opinions  various  reports  of  his  officers,  showing 
that  in  many  parts  of  the  State  there  is  practically  no  government : 
that  murders  are  frequent,  and  no  attempts  are  made  to  punish  the 
murderers,  while  the  abuse  of  the  blacks  is  too  common  to  excite  notice. 

December  6,  1869,  General  Terry  forwards  another  report  inclosing — 

1.  Papers  referred  by  Governor  Bullock  relative  to  the  lawless  condi- 
tion of  certain  counties  in  Georgia. 

2.  Report  of  Lieutenant  George  S.  Hoyt  of  the   whipping  of  Abo 
Colesby  near  Greensborough,  by  Ku-Klux  in  October,  1869. 

3.  Petition  of  F.  IT.  Fyall  and  other  citizens  against  outrages  in  Kan 
dolph  County,  Georgia. 

4.  Request  for  troops  for  the  protection  of  Deputy  Collector  \V.  1'.. 
WhJtmbre,  Ring-gold  County,  Georgia. 

5.  Reports  relative  to  the  murder  of  two  negroes  in  Hancock  Comity; 
and 

6.  Complaint  of  George  Hall  of  whipping  received  bv  him  at  tlio 
hands  of  Ku-Klux. 

In  General  Terry7*  report  of  August  14th  he  recommends  that  the 
State  of  Georgia  be  again  placed  under  military  control,  but  General 
Halleck,  not  entirely  concurring  in  the  recommendation,  submits  the 
whole  matter  for  the  action  of  Congress. 

September  30, 1867,  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  Depart- 
ment of  the  Cumberland,  in  report  of  operations  for  the  year  ending 
September  30,  1867,  refers  in  general  terms  to  the  disloyal  elements 
within  the  limits  of  his  command,  and  to  the  murders  and  outrages 
perpetrated  by  "  Regulators  "  and  Ku-Klux. 

The  above  report  contains  chiefly  correspondence  relative  to  elec- 
tions, between  General  Thomas,  Governor  Brownlow,  General  of  the 
Army,  and  others.  General  Thomas's  report  is  accompanied  by  those  of 
post  commanders,  &c.,  detailing  outrages  on  freedmen,  &c.,  &c. 

September  6,  1869,  the  commanding  general  of  the  Military  Division 
of  the  South  forwards  to  the  Adjutant  General  a  copy  of  a  letter,  signed 
by  H  C.  Higginbotham,  sheriff  of  Cleburne  County,  Alabama,  and 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  19 

W.  K.  llunnicut,  judge  probate,  to  the  governor  of  Alabama,  stating 
that  the  northwest  of  Cleburne  and  northeast  of  Calhoun  Counties  are 
annoyed  by  disguised  men  ;  that  on  the  14th  of  August  there  was  a  raid 
from  Ludigo  which  was  met  by  some  good  citizens  and  shot  into,  and 
some  fifteen  wounded;  that  it  is  useless  to  call  on  the  civil  authorities 
for  redress,  for  one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  for  Ludigo  Precinct  was 
wounded  in  the  fight ;  he  was  disguised.  Also  a  copy  of  a  letter  from 
the  Governor  of  Alabama  to  General  Terry,  asking  that  troops  be  sent 
to  ( 'leburne  County  to  suppress  outrages  and  protect  the  citizens. 

Major  General  J.  J.  Reynolds,  commanding  Fifth  Military  District, 
(State  of  Texas,)  in  his  annual  report,  dated  October  21,  1869,  says  that 
''the  number  of  murders  in  that  State  during  the  nine  months  from  Jan- 
uary 1,  I860,  to  September  30,  I860,  according  to  the  official  records, 
necessarily  imperfect,  is  '  384,'  being  an  average  of  about  one  and  a  lialf 
per  (Iny."1'  But  that  some  improvement  is  apparent  in  the  disposition  of 
juries  to  punish  for  murder  and  other  high  crimes,  although  the  civil 
authorities  have  still  to. call  on  the  military  for  aid  in  quelling  disturb- 
ances and  making  arrests,  and  the  military  often  meet  armed  resistance 
in  carrying  out  their  instructions.  Several  persons  so  resisting  have 
been  killed,  but  in  nearly  every  case  the  party  killed  was  under  indict- 
ment for  murder,  and  invited  his  fate  by  taking  up  arms  against  the 
lawful  authorities. 

November  17,  1868,  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  De- 
partment of  the  Cumberland,  forwards  letter  of  Captain  William  Folck, 
inclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  addressed  by  the  Ku-Klux  Klau  to  Mr. 
Willard  Davis,  of  Lexington,  Kentucky,  in  which  Mr.  Davis  is  warned 
to  leave  the  State  within  30  days,  or  if  not  he  will  be  hanged. 

Captain  Folck  states  that  similar  letters  were  sent  by  the  Ku-Klux 
Klan  to  Mr.  Cassins,  Mr.  Goodloe,  Dr.  Davidson,  and  others;  that  the 
lives  of  Union  men  are  imperiled ;  that  a  few  nights  ago,  two  men  were 
taken  from  the  jail  at  Nicholasville,  Kentucky,  by  an  armed  force  of  72 
men,  (mounted  and'masked,)  and  were  hanged  near  the  suburbs  of  the 
town. 

October  5, 1870,  Governor  H.  Eeed,  of  Florida,  informs  the  President 
of  the  United  States  that  in  several  counties  of  the  State  the  officers 
of  the  law  are  set  at  defiance  by  organized  bands  of  enemies  of  the  Gov- 
ernment ;  that  it  will  be  impossible,  without  military  aid,  to  secure  a 
fair  vote  at  the  election  in  November.  Requests  the  presence  of  at 
least  five  companies  of  federal  soldiers,  with  energetic  officers,  to  be 
placed  at  his  disposition  for  a  period  not  exceeding  four  weeks.  Seven 
petitions,  communications,  &c.,  accompany  Governor  Reed's  letter. 

November  1,  1870,  Senator  T.  W.  Osborne  telegraphs  from  Talla- 
hassee, Florida,  stating  it  is  very  important  that  troops  be  sent  to  the 
State,  (Florida.)  Telegraphed  in  reply  that  there  are  no  troops  availa- 
ble to  be  sent  to  Florida,  all  being  fully  employed  at  places  of  great  im- 
portance. 

November  4,  1870,  Senator  Osborne  telegraphs  for  at  least  one  com- 
pany to  be  sent  to  Lake  City.  Informed  in  reply,  same  date,  that  the 
demands  for  troops  have  been  so  great  that  the  Department  is  unable 
to  comply  with  his  request. 

November  .">,  1S70,  the  Secretary  of  War  directs  as  follows :  "  The  Pres- 
ident desires  that  if  any  troops  can  be  spared  the  aid  be  given.  If  not, 
however,  he  will  adhere  to  the  telegram  l>efore  ordered  and  not  reply 
to  this."  Same  date  Senator  Osborue  was  informed  that  two  companies 
would  report  to  the  United  States  marshal  at  Tallahassee  from  New 
Orleans  as  soon  as  possible.  General  llalleck  instructed  accordingly 
on  the  same  date. 


20  OUTEAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

In  reply,  November  7,  1870,  General  Halleck  states  that  troops  can- 
not reach  Tallahassee  in  time  for  the  election.  Same  date,  (November 
7,  1870,)  General  Halleck  was  informed  that  his  dispatch  was  received 
and  is  satisfactory. 

November  17,  3870,  the  governor  of  Florida  requests  that  a  full  regi- 
ment be  sent  to  the  State,  to  remain  until  the  adjournment  of  the  legis- 
lature in  February. 

Informed  in  reply,  dated  November  22,  1870,  that  orders  were  that 
day  issued  for  stationing  two  companies  of  troops  at  Tallahassee. 

November  17,  1870,  the  United  States  marshal  and  district  attorney 
at  Jacksonville,  Florida,  represent  the  necessity  for  United  States  troops 
in  the  State. 

November  22,  1870,  General  Halleck  was  instructed  to  send  two  com- 
panies to  Tallahassee  to  report  to  the  United  States  marshal,  to  assist 
in  enforcing  the  laws.  Telegram  also  sent  to  the  United  States  mar- 
shal at  Jacksonville,  same  date. 

Major  General  A.  H.  Terry,  commanding  Department  of  the  South, 
in  his  animal  report  of  October  31,  18G9,  states  that  while  many  crimes 
and  outrages  are  yet  committed  in  the  more  disturbed  parts  of  the  State 
of  Georgia,  there  is  a  gradual  though  sure  change  for  the  better  going 
on,  and  civil  authorities  command  a  greater  respect  than  at  any  time 
since  the  close  of  the  war.  The  mere  presence  of  troops  is  sufficient  to 
quell  any  tendency  to  disorderly  conduct. 

General  Terry,  August,  1869,  forwards  papers  relative  to  outrages  com- 
mitted in  the  State  of  Georgia.  Assassination  of  Senator  Adkins 
prompted  by  political  hostility,  solely. 

Report  of  Major  Van  Voast,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  and  communication 
from  Governor  Bullock  in  regard  to  fearful  condition  of  affairs  in  War- 
ren County,  Georgia,  respecting  secret  organization  hostile  to  the  United 
States  Government.  Sheriff  Norris  of  that  county,  who  made  a  report 
regarding  action  of  lawless  parties  at  the  election  for  President  and 
Vice-President  in  November,  1868,  was  notified  "  it  would  be  dangerous 
for  him  to  do  so."  On  the  night  of  December  14,  1868,  he  was  waylaid 
and  shot.  In  June,  1869,  Henry  P.  Farrow,  attorney  general  of  Georgia, 
having  been  ordered  by  Governor  Bullock  to  proceed  to  Warren  County 
and  act  for  the  State  in  bringing  outlaws  to  justice,  reports  and  states 
he  will  hold  himself  in  readiness  to  proceed  there  to  enact  the  farce  of 
attempting  to  enforce  civil  law. 

Extract  from  confidential  conversation  between  Governor  Bullock,  of 
Georgia,  and  C.  Battle,  esq.,  Warren  County,  Georgia,  in  regard  to  out- 
lawry, states  that  no  jury  would  convict  any  lawless  organization  ;  also, 
that  it  would  be  most  dangerous  for  him  if  this  conversation  became 
public. 

Regarding  action  of  Sheriff  Norris  and  killing  of  Dr.  Darden.  Gov- 
ernor Bullock  states  the  power  of  the  State  executive  is  not  adequate  to 
overcome  the  evils  now  existing  in  the  State,  and  asks  military  protec- 
tion for  loyal  people. 

March  9,  1868,  General  George  H.  Thomas,  commanding  Department 
of  the  Cumberland,  reports  the  formation  of  organizations  for  resistance 
to  the  laws,  and  forwards  communications  from  E.  D.  Lyons,  quarter- 
master's agent  at  Bridgeport,  Alabama,  dated  February  27,^1868,  relative 
to  the  Ku-Klux  Klan,  in  Pulaski,  Tennessee,  asserting  that  that  city  is 
the  headquarters  of  the  order ;  also  communication  from  Hon.  W.  Bosson, 
dated  Nashville,  Tennessee,  March  5,  1868,  calling  attention  to  the  Ku- 
Klux  in  Tennessee,  and  asking  military  protection,  the  civil  authorities 
being  powerless. 

January  6, 1868,  General  Canby,  commanding  Second  Military  District, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  21 

transmits  copy  of  an  order  issued  by  him  to  meet  certain  difficulties 
existing  in  North  Carolina ;  expresses,  however,  his  doubts  as  to  its  effi- 
cacy on  account  of  the  bitterness  of  feeling  existing ;  states  that  these 
difficulties  are  traceable  to  the  spirit  of  revenge  and  retaliation  for  the 
execution  of  a  number  of  Union  men  who  deserted  the  rebel  army 
during  the  war.  Refers  to  the  murder  of  Colonel  Wethercutt,  anil 
attempts  to  arrest  the  murderers. 

General  Hinks's  report  of  investigation  of  above  murder,  mentions  a 
brutal  assault  on  Mrs.  Wethercutt ;  also,  the  shooting  of  a  negro  who 
attempted  to  shoot  a  Mrs.  Bratcher,  but  wounded  her  husband. 

General  llinks  also  reports  eighteen  murders  committed  in  Jones, 
Craven,  Lenoir,  and  Pitfc  counties  since  1st  January,  1868,  and  many 
highway  robberies,  burglaries  and  larcenies.  (Six  inclosures.) 

October  31,  1870,  W.  H.  Smith,  governor  of  Alabama,  refers  to  the 
President  communication  from  S.  Crawford,  mayor  of  Stevenson,  Ala- 
bama, forwarding  (to  the  governor  of  Alabama)  statement  of  Mr.  J.  J. 
Roach,  relative  to  outrages  committed  in  Stevenson,  Alabama,  stating 
that  the  corporation  of  Stevenson  is  a  one-horse  concern  and  not  able  to 
protect  any  man  ;  that  the  citizens  want  troops  but  are  afraid  to  sign  a 
petition  for  the  same. 

General  Reynolds,  commanding  Fifth  Military  District,  forwarded  Octo- 
ber 1C,  18G8,  report  of  Captain  James  Curtis,  Fifteenth  Infantry,  relative 
to  the  murder,  on  4th  October,  18C8,  of  Hon.  G.W.  Smith  (delegate  to  con- 
stitutional convention)  and  two  freed  men  ;  also,  a  wounding  of  the  third, 
by  the  Ku-Klux  Klan.  General  Reynolds,  in  a  subsequent  report,  states 
that  there  are  in  arrest  about  35  men  who  participated  in  the  above 
murder. 

General  Buell,  commanding  at  Jefferson,  Texas,  forwards  May  5, 1869, 
communication  of  C.  L.  Pitcher,  who  states  he  has  been  confined  there 
since  9th  of  February  without  knowing  the  cause.  General  Buell  states 
he  was  arrested  on  strong  evidence  as  one  of  the  murderers  of  the  Hon. 
Mr.  Smith.  In  this  connection  General  Reynolds  denies  certain  news- 
paper reports  regarding  treatment  of  the  above  prisoners.  Reports  dep- 
redations of  the  Ku-Klux  Klan  and  the  lawlessness  and  murder  which 
exist  in  Texas. 

General  Meade,  commanding  Department  of  the  South,  in  his  annual  re- 
port October  31,  1808,  relative  to  affairs  in  his  department,  states  that 
soon  after  announcing  the  position  of  the  military,  the  outrage  at  Camil- 
la, Georgia,  was  committed,  and  the  evidence  seems  to  show  the  same  to 
have  been  perpetrated  by  civil  officers  under  guise  of  enforcing  the  law 
and  suppressing  disorder.  Refers  to  report  of  acting  judge  advocate 
of  department,  that  in  a  period  of  eight  months  there  were  tried  by  mil- 
itary  commissions  in  the  states  of  Georgia,  Alabama  and  Florida  only 
thirty-two  persons,  and  of  these  but  fifteen  convicted,  and  thinks  this  a 
refutation  that  military  power  was  despotically  exercised. 

General  Halleck,  December  8,  1809,  forwards  for  information  of  the 
General-in-Chief,  copies  of  reports,  &c.,  from  headquarters  Department 
of  the  South,  relative  to  troubles  in  different  parts  of  Georgia. 

Complaint  from  J.  R.  Griffin,  notary  public,  Fort  Valley,  Georgia,  of 
abuse  to  colored  men  and  that  farce  of  the  judicial  system,  and  that  of- 
ficers would  not  arrest  with  warrants. 

Governor  Bullock,  of  Georgia,  forwards  statements  relative  to  murders 
and  rapes,  outrages  by  Ku-Klux,  and  the  shooting  of  Warren  Hays, 
colored,  near  Lexington,  Georgia ;  also  reported  violence  and  threats 
and  lawlessness  in  Mitchell  County,  Athens,  and  other  parts  of  Georgia. 

Letter  from  Mrs.  Senator  Adkins  about  the  murder  of  her  husband. 
Proclamation  and  reward  for  murderers  of  Dr.  Danden,  taken  from 


22  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

Warrenton  jail  and  shot.  Report  of  investigation  by  G.  W.  Fitch,  of 
violence  to  a  colored  woman  in  Clayton  county,  Georgia.  Complaints 
of  citizens  of  Morgan  County,  of  bands  of  robbers  and  assassins.  Re- 
quest for  troops,  to  be  placed  at  disposal  of  sheriff  of  Warren  County. 
Reported  injustice  to  negroes  in  Pike  County.  Death  from  exposure? 
and  neglect  of  twofreedmen,  as  given  in  "  Savannah  Daily  Advertiser;" 
attention  invited  by  General  O.  O.  Howard.  Disturbances  among  work- 
men on  Air  Line  Railway,  near  Atlanta.  Danger  to  Hie  and  property 
in  Richmond  County,  near  line  of  Columbia  County.  Mr.  Brasil  and 
family  forced  to  flee  from  Glasseock  County.  Lawless  condition  of  af- 
fairs along  the  Air  Line  Railroad,  and  the  facts  of  the  insurrection 
thereon.  Facts  from  Captain  R.  B.  Hull,  Eighteenth  Infanry,  relative 
to  the  murder  of  Senator  Adkins,  and  report  from  Major  Van  Voast, 
Eighteenth  Infantry,  same  subject.  Illegal  arrest  and  confinement  in 
Oglethorpe  jail  of  James  D.  Harden,  colored.  Whipping  and  beating 
of  a  colored  man  by  Ku-Klux  Klan  near  Sparta,  killing  of  Alfred 
Robinson,  colored,  near  Mount  Zion,  Hancock  County.  Prisoners  in 
Sparta  jail,  accusations  unknown.  Outrages  by  Ku-Klnx  in  vicinity  of 
Greensboro,  and  whipping  of  an  expelled  colored  member  of  legisla- 
ture. Troops  furnished  the  -sheriff  of  Morgan  County.  Captain  F.  E. 
Lancey's  report  of  investigation  on  railroad  disturbances  in  Mitchell 
County.  Investigation  and  report  of  Brevet  Captain  G.  W.  Fitch  on 
outrages  upon  loyal  people  in  Randolph  County;  says  the  murder  of 
Milton  Cochran  is  evidence  that  there  are  some  bad  men  in  that  sec- 
tion ;  thinks  the  general  sentiment  is  to  discountenance  outrages.  Six 
murders  near  Cuthbert,  Randolph  County,  and  the  murderers  still  at 
large.  Facts  relative  to  the  murder  of  Milton  Seward,  June  20,  186!). 
Request  for  troops  to  protect  deputy  collector  in  Ring-gold,  whose  life 
has  been  threatened.  Report  of  Captain  J.  Kline,  Eighteenth  Infantry, 
on  alleged  outrages  to  colored  citizens  in  Oglethorpe  County;  does  not 
seem  to  think  the  charges  sustained.  Reported  outrages  in  Greene  and 
Taliafero  Counties  during  1869.  Investigation  and  report  by  Second 
Lieutenant  G.  S.  Hoyt,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  of  alleged  outrages  to  per- 
sons and  property  in  Greene  and  Hancock  Counties ;  thinks  the  Ku- 
Klnx  Klan  circulate  reports  relative  to  the  uprising  of  negroes,  to  carry 
out  "hellish  operations."  Ku-Klux  Klan  orders  parties  to  leave  Burke 
County,  threatening  death.  Investigation  by  Lieutenant  Gibbs  of  the 
murder  of  Alfred  Robinson,  colored  ;  was  of  opinion  white  citizens  in 
vicinity  of  Greene  and  Hancock  Counties  intend  to  draw  away  the  col- 
ored men  to  secure  their  share  of  the  crops,  and  therefore  many  murders 
and  outrages  had  been  committed.  Reports  from  First  Lieutenant  G. 
J.  Madden,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  Captain  J.  T.Mackey,  Major  Van  Voast, 
Second  Lieutenant  George  W.  Hoyt,  Captain  Kline,  Captain  Morgan  L. 


Jackson,  colored  woman,  in  Hall  County. 

General  G.  H.  Thomas,  commanding  Department  of  the  Cumberland. 
in  his  annual  report  of  October  1,  1868,  states  that,  with  the  closing  of 
the  last  and  the  beginning  of  the  new  year,  the  State  of  Tennessee  was 
disturbed  by  an  organization  known  as  the  Ku-Klux  Klan;  that  organ- 
ized companies  of  men,  mounted,  armed,  and  disguised,  patrolled  the 
country,  and  in  many  instances  abused  and  outraged  quiet  citizens,  par- 
ticularly colored  people  of  industry  and  good  conduct.  Reports  of  out- 
rages by  Ku-Klux  in  Maury  County,  and  request  of  Governor  Brownlow 
for  troops.  Grievances  made  also  from  Kentucky  and  West  Virginia. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  23 

Lawlessness  givater  in  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  than  West  Virginia. 
General  Thomas  calls  attention  to  the  following: 

Report  by  Captain  Leib,  Fifth  Cavalry,  of  rebel  sentiment  at  Gallatin. 
Tennessee. 

( )rgani/ed  bands  to  crush  Union  men,  reported  in  Washington  County, 
Kentucky,  and  outrages  perpetrated  by  same.  Report  of  threatened 
assassination  of  Judge  Hunter,  Memphis.  Representative  Reeves 
reports  condition  of  affairs  in  West  Tennessee.  Representative  Lillard 
reports  Ku-Klux  in  Marshall  County. 

Request  from  agent  Freedmen's  Bureau,  for  protection  for  colored 
schools.  Outrages  reported  by  the  agent  and  sub-assistant  commis- 
sioner of  Freedmen's  Bureau,  Memphis.  Unlawful  actions  of  the  Ku- 
Klux  Klan  in  Frankfort  and  Russelville.  Kentucky. 

Assault  on  United  States  deputy  collector  at  Somerville,  Tennessee. 
Extract  of  letter  published  in  "Cincinnati  Commercial,"  relative  to  an 
interview  with  rebel  General  Forrest,  and  his  remarks  about  Ku-Klux 
Klan,  acknowledging  the  number  of  that  organization  in  the  Southern 
States  to  be  about  .V>0,00<)  men,  »xc. 

General  Terry,  December  20,  I860,  forwards  official  communication  of 
First  Lieutenant  W.  A.  Miller,  Eighteenth  Infantry,  reporting  a  sentinel 
being  tired  at  by  persons  unknown — probably  outlaws — to  destroy  the 
i Viendly  feeling  between  soldiers  and  citizens. 

General  Mower,  May  2o,  1801),  forwards  official  communication  rela- 
tive to  alleged  outrages  in  Saint  Landry  Parish,  Louisiana,  and  that 
he  was  compelled  to  send  troops  to  sustain  the  civil  authorities  in  pro- 
tecting the  people  and  executing  the  laws. 

November  23,  1808,  General  Meade  transmits  correspondence  between 
himself  and  the  governor  of  Georgia,  relative  to  sending  troops  to  Warren 
County  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  peace.  The  sheriff  reported 
the  murder  of  a  colored  boy,  and  other  outrages  upon  freedmen  almost 
nightly,  and  called  for  military  aid  in  making  arrests,  &c- 

Captain  Emory,  aide-de-camp,  being  sent  to  Warren  County  to  investi- 
gate matters,  reported  that  no  attempt  was  made  by  civil  authorities  to 
detect,  prevent  or  punish  crime,  for  the  reason  that  nearly  every  one 
was  afraid  to  give  evidence  on  which  to  ground  an  indictment,  or  testify 
at  a  coroner's  inquest.  Also  reported  numerous  and  glaring  outrages 
upon  freedmen,  no  one  being  arrested  for  participation  in  them.  Same 
state  of  affairs  existing  in  other  counties,  and  in  tact  throughout  the 
department. 

HEADQUAKTEKS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

ir«.y/mi#to«,  February  8,  1807. 

SIR:  1  have  the  honor  to  return  herewith  the  copy  of  a  call  by  the 
Senate  for  information  as  to  violations  of  the  Civil  Rights  Bill,  and  of  a 
report  of  the  Attorney  General's,  both  referred  to  me  by  you  for  report 
on  the  23d  ultimo. 

In  the  reports  of  officers  of  outrages  committed  on  the  freedineii,  refer- 
ence is  rarely  or  never  made  to  the  Civil  Rights  Bill,  and  I  am  accord- 
ingly unable  to  report  its  violations.  I  inclose,  however,  a  statement  of 
murders  committed  in  the  Southern  States,  as  in  part  pertinent  to  the 
inqairy. 

U.  S.  GRANT, 

General. 
Hon.  E.  M.  STASTOX, 

S<'<Tffi<ri/  of  War. 

O 


41sT  COIXGUMHS,  i  SENATE,  i     Ex.  DOCJ. 

:W  ,SVww.M.       (  }No.l6,Pt.2. 

MESSAGE 

OF     11  IK 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

COMMUNICATING, 

In  further  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  16th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1870,  additional  information  in  relation  to  the  existence  of  disloyal 
<ir{/nni~ftti(ws  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina. 


.1  v\r  VKY  17,  1871. — Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  and  be  printed. 


To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  : 

In  answer  to  their  resolution  of  the  10th  of  December,  1870,  I  here- 
with transmit  copies  of  certain  reports  received  at  the  War  Department 
relative  to  disloyal  organizations  in  the  State  of  North  Carolina  intended 
to  resist  the  laws,  or  to  deprive  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  of  the 
protection  of  law,  or  the  enjoyment  of  their  rights  under  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  I  jilted  States.  These  reports  are  in  addition  to  the  abstracts 
of  those  sent  to  the  Senate  on  the  13th  instant. 

U.  8.  GRANT. 
MANSION,  January  17,  1871. 


RALEIGH,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  January  1, 1871. 

SIR:  In  addition  to  the  former  evidence  of  the  existence  of  a  danger- 
ous conspiracy  in  this  State  which  1  have  laid  before  you,  I  desire  to 
Transmit  the  accompanying  papers,  as  an  appendix  to  my  former  official 

letter. 

The  pamphlet  containing  the  evidence  against  the  Leuoir  County  pris- 
oners is  of  sufficient  notoriety  and  authenticity  to  warrant  its  acceptance; 
and,  indeed,  Judge  C.  It.  Thomas,  before  whom  the  examination  was  had, 
and  who  has  since  been  chosen  a  member  of  the  forty-second  Congress, 
stands  ready  to  corroborate  it.  This  was  the  first  exposition  of  the  con- 
spiracy. You  will  further  find  numerous  confessions  of  members  of  the 
AU-Klux  Klan,  obtained  through  the  means  of  the  militia  movement  of 
ast  summer,  and  also  a  copy  of  the  oath  required  of  members  of  one  of 
ts  degrees,  "the  AYhite  Brotherhood."  The  other  two  degrees  are 
known  as  -'the  Constitutional  Union  Guard,"  and  "the  Invisible 
Empire." 

The  accompanying  lists  of  outrages  committed  in  Alamance  and  Lin- 
coln counties  are  full  up  to  date.  It  will  be  observed  that  lear  of  injury 
on  the  part  of  informants  has  induced  them  lo  ask  that  their  names  bo 
-.vithheld.  The  Government  can  obtain  them  at  any  moment,  however. 

Extracts  from  letters  from  citizens  are  also  transmitted,  and  one  or 


2  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

two  "specimen"  statements  made  by  parties  who  have  been  outraged 
in  this  State.     If  all  such  statements  were  compiled,  it  would  be  a  tale 
of  terror  and  woe  that  the  people  of  this  country  have  never  heard  before. 
This  organized  conspiracy  is  in  existence  in  every  county  of  the  State, 
and  its  aim  is  to  obtain  the  control  of  the  government.    It  is  believed  that 
\  its  leaders  now  direct  the  movements  of  the  present  legislature.     It  is 
\  proven  (page  210  of  my  message  and  accompanying  documents)  that  the 
>J  speaker  of  the  present  house,  T.  J.  Jarvis,  is  a  member,  and  one  other- 
prominent  leader  in  the  legislature,  Fred.  Stand  wick,  was  seen  on  his  way 
at  Gil  breath's  Bridge  to  murder  a  State  senator,  (page  220,)  and  (page 
218)  that  the  leading  democratic  paper  of  this  State  is  in  direct  sym- 
pathy with  this  organization  of  conspirators  and  assassins. 

In*  conclusion,  I  inclose  you  a  printed  list  of  outrages,  which  is  not 
ojie-twentieth  of  the  number  committed  in  the  State.  But  they  are  the 
most  prominent,  and  serve  as  examples  to  show  what  has  been  already 
done,  and  to  warn  the  Government  that  unless  active  measures  are  taken 
the  lives  of  its  loyal  citizens  are  no  longer  safe,  and  their  liberties  a 
a  thing  of  the  past. 

With  great  respect, 

W.  W.  IIOLDBN. 
General  IT.  S.  GRANT, 

President  United  Mates  of  America. 


Oath  of  the   White  Brotherhood,  (Ku-KUix  Klan.) 

You  solemnly  sw£ar  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  you  will  never  reveal  the 
name  of  the  person  who  initiated  you  ;  and  that  you  will  never  reveal  what  is  now 
about  to  come  to  your  knowledge  ;  and  that  you  are  not  now  a  member  of  the  Red 
String  Order,  Union  League,  Heroes  of  America,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  or  any 
other  organization  whose  aim  and  intention  is  to  destroy  the  rights  of  the  South,  or  of 
the  States,  or  of  the  people,  or  to  elevate  the  negro  to  a  political  equality  with  your- 
self; and  that  you  are  opposed  to  all  such  principles :  So  help  you  God. 

You  further  swear  before  Almighty  God,  that  you  will  bo  true  to  the  principles  of 
this  brotherhood  and  the  members  thereof;  and  that  you  will  never  reveal  any  of  the 
secrets,  orders,  acts,  or  edicts,  and  you  will  never  make  known  to  any  person,  not  a 
known  member  of  this  brotherhood,  that  you  are  a  member  yourself,  or  who  are  mem- 
bers ;  and  that  you  will  never  assist  in  initiating,  or  allow  to  be  initiated,  if  you  can 
prevent  it,  any  one  belonging  to  the  Red  String  Order,  Union  League,  Heroes  of  America, 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  or  any  one  holding  radical  views  or  opinions  ;  and  .should 
any  member  of  this  brotherhood,  or  their  families,  be  in  danger,  you  will  in  form  them 
of  their  danger,  and,  if  necessary,  you  will  go  to  their  assistance;  and  that  you  wilJ 
oppose  all  radicals  and  negroes  in  all  of  their  political  designs;  and  that  should  any 
radical  or  negro  impose  on,  abuse,  or  injure  any  member  of  this  brotherhood,  you  will 
assist  in  punishing  him  in  any  manner  the  camp  may  direct. 

Yon  further  swear  that  you  will  obey  all  calls  and  summonses  of  the  chief  of  your 
camp  or  brotherhood,  should  it  be  in  your  power  so  to  do. 

Given  upon  this,  your  obligation,  that  you  will  never  give  the  word  of  distress  unless 
you  are  in  great  need  of  assistance ;  and' should  you  hear  it  given  by  any  brother  you 
will  go  to  his  or  their  assistance,  and  should  any  member  reveal  any  of  the  secrets, 
acts,  orders,  or  edicts  of  the  brotherhood,  you  will  assist  in  punishing  him  in  any 
way  the  camp  may  direct  or  approve  of ;  So  help  you  God. 


Ka-Klux  outrages  in  H'iti/nc  County,  Xoi'th  Carolina. 

In  the  month  of  January,  1870,  a  party  of  men,  some  sevea  or  htmr,  disguised,  came 

to  the  house  of  AndreAV  Peel,  colored,  in  Indian  Springs  township,  and  four  of  the 

party,  viz  :  John  Holmes,  Robert  Harks,  and  James  Casey,  (a  neighbor!)  and  supposes 

Jovine  Lewis  as  the    fourth,  entered  his    house,   and  blindfolding  him,  carried  him 

Joff  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  from  home  and  whipped  him  badly.     This  was  on  Sun- 

.    day,  the  9th  of  January.    They  also  robbed  him   oi'  a   double-barreled  gun  ;  tore  his 

hat  to  pieces,  and  cut  the  collar  off  of  his  Sunday  coat. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  3 

On  tlit;  s;imr  night,  viz  :  January  9th,  (and  more  than  probable  the  same  party,) 
Joseph  Green  (colored)  was  taken  out  and  whipped  severely  at  Everottsville.  (Ireer 
knows  none  of  the  men  that  whipped  him.  ^ 

Harvy  Warren  fled  from  Sampson  County  into  Wayne  about  twelve  months  ago,  and 
states  that  he  had  been  taken  out  by  some  six  or  seven  men,  carried  to  the  woods,  and 
taken  by  the  arms  and  run  against  the  trees,  and  by  the  legs  and  flung  about  like  as 
he  had  been  a  log.  The  party  was  disguised;  one  of  them  had  horns;  made  him  feel 
of  his  horns ;  said  they  were  from  hell ;  had  a  pistol  for  a  Bible,  which  they  swore  him 
upon  ;  made  him  kiss  it  and  promise  he  would  never  tell  what  they  had  done  to  him. 

A  true  copv  of  original  on  rile  in  executive  department  of  North  Carolina. 

J.  B.  NEATHKliV. 

I'rirale  AV>m-/an/. 


ALAMANCK  COUNTY,  July  2S,  1>?n. 

We.  the  undersigned  citizens  of  Alamance  County,  do  hereby  acknowledge  that  we 
have  been  members  of-an  organization  in  said  county,  known  to  the  public  as  the 
Ku-Klux  Klan,  but  known  to  the  members  thereof  as  the  White  Brotherhood,  or 
Constitutional  Union  Guard. 

This  organization  in  the  outset,  as  we  understood  it,  was  purely  political,  and  for  the 
mutual  protection  of  the  members  thereof  and  their  families;  but,  since  joining,  we 
have  bei'ii  pained  to  know  that,  while  the  objects  of  the  organization  were  to  attain 
certain  political  ends,  the  means  used  and  resorted  to  were  such  as  would  shock  a  civ- 
ili/.ed  and  enlightened  people.  And  we  hereby  publicly  and  independently  dissolve  our 
connection  with  this  organization,  and  call  upon  upright  and  law-abiding  citizens 
everywhere  to  do  the  same  thing,  knowing,  as  we  do,  that  unless  the  crimes  \\liul 
have  been  committed  by  this  organization  can  be  put  a  stop  to,  and  the  organization, 
itself  entirely  broken  up,  civil  liberty  and  personal  safety  are  at  an  end  in  this  county, 
and  life  and  property  and  everything  else  will  soon  be  at  the.  mercy  of  an  organized 
mob.  . 

We  intend  to  see  that  the  signs,  grips,  and  pass-words  of  this  organization  are  fully 
exposert,  together  with  the  plans  of  operations,  &c.,  so  that  people  everywhere  max 
see  with  their  own  eyes. 

In  making  these  confessions  we  have  implicated  no  one  but  ourselves,  but  we  hope 
that  our  friends  will  take  warning,  from  what  has  transpired  within  the  last  few  days, 
and  immediately  withdraw  from  organizations  such  as  we  have  mentioned,  and  assist 
us  and  all  other  good  citi/sms  in  restoring  peace  and  good  order  in  our  county. 

CLRMKNT  C.  CUKTIS.  D.  1).  TF.ACU  i:. 

J.VMKS  E.  BOYD.  A.  J.  PATTKKSON. 

ROBKKT  HANXF.K.  J.  A.  J.  PATTI-:I:SOX. 

JOHN  It.  STOCKAUD.  JOHN  (!.  AI,:;I;K;IIT. 

JACOB  MICHAKI,.  CIIIJIST.  C.  CUUTIS. 

J.  N.  H.  CLKXDENIN.  S.  A.  Crirris. 

HF.NMIY  AUUUGHT.  W.  S.  BKAUMIAW. 

JAMES  H.  FOUST.  JASPER  N.  WOOD. 

STATIC  OF  XOKTII  CAROLINA,  Alamttucc  County  : 

On  this  the  30th  day  of  July,  1370,  personally  appeared  before  me,  YV.  A.  Albright,  supe- 
rior eon:!  clerk  for  Alamance  County,  W.  S.  Bradshaw,  and,  after  b;-,ing  duly  s\v<>rn. 
depo.-es  and  s-.iys:  That  on  or  about  the  first  part  of  the  year  l*ui)  I  was  initiated  into 
the  on'.er  of,  known  and  commonly  called,  Ku-Klux.  I  was  installed  by  Jacob  A.  Long 
in  his  room.  1  was  sworn  that  if  ever  I  revealed  any  of  the  secrets  of  the  order  1  was 
to  sutler  death,  and  .should  be  the  lirst  victim.  I  understood  Jacob  A.  Long  to  bo  the 
chief  of  the  county.  Previous  to  this  I  met  with  Dr.  John  A.  Walker,  who  asked  me 
if  I  did  not  want  to  join  a  secret  political  organization.  I  answered  him  that  I  had 
been  a  member  of  one  sueli.  and  did  not  want  to  connect  myself  with  any  oih.:r.  II 
then  said  then;  was  such  in  the  country,  and  told  me  that  Jacob  A.  Long  could  gi\  e  me 
further  information,  and,  in  addition  to  this,  give.  me.  some  of  the  sig  is.  After  thii  I 
was  i:i  Graham  on  business,  and  in  the  evening  I  was  approached  1  y  Clem.  C.  Curtis, 
who  carried  me  out  behind  Dr.  J.  K.  Ruftin's  drugstore,  and  asked  m  •  if  I  did  not  want, 
to  know  more  about  a  certain  thing  than  I  did.  I  answered  as  I  di  I  to  Dr.  Walker. 
Hi-,  then  said  that  he  would  be  damned  if  I  did  not  know  too  much,  u  iless  I  knew  more. 
After  talking  over  the  matte',  he  toll  me  that  he  would  conduct  n:e  o  a  phu.v  v,  here  I 
could  become  a  full  member.  Upon  this  information  I  was  initi;.tj.l,  as  above  stated. 
There,  was  present  J.  E.  Boyd  and  others;  I  do  not  remember  who. 

The  lirst  meeting  I  attended  was  at  the  house  where  Jack  Thompson  formerly  resided. 
I  think  there  was  nothing  done  worthy  of  notice,  except  the  initiation  of  s  >m;-  new 
members.  There  was  present  J.  N.  Wood,  James  Foust,  .James  Bradshaw,  Joseph  V,. 
Thompson,  (these  were  officers,)  and  John  Fur,  Polk  Bradshaw,  Fisher  Bradshaw,  Mike 


4  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

Fur,  and  others  J  do  not  remember.     The   new  members   were   Haywood,  Crutehiield, 
f'atterson,  Thompson,  esq.,  and  George  Crutelifiekl. 

I  attended  second  meeting  at  William  Fur's  house  on  the  night  of  I)f.  Walker's  sale. 
There  were  present  J.  N.  Wood,  James  Foust,  and  James  Bradshaw,  (officers  ;)  J.  K. 
Stockard,  J:  N.  H.  Clendenin,  George  Long,  Mike  Thompson.  John  Woods.(as  an  officer,) 
Dick  Tliom]>son.  and  Joe  B.  Alex.  Thompson,  James  and  John  Albright,  and  others  I  do 
not  remember.  Either  at  this  meeting  or  the  one  previous  there  was  a  move  made  to  make, 
a  raid  near  Hillsboro.  I  opposed  the  move,  and  told  them  if  that  was  the  object  I  was 
out.  I  was  aided  in  this  by  J.  N.  Wood,  who  said  if  they  persisted  in  this  course  they 
need  not  expect  the  protection  of  the  organization.  About  the  time  we  were  being 
dismissed,  James  Bradshaw  said  all  that  wished  to  join  in  this  raid  to  meet  at 
Chestnut  Ridge  meeting-house  at  some  hour  of  a  certain  night.  I  heard  nothing  from 
this  raid,  except  that  Major  Lynch  commanded  the  squad  from  Metansville.  This  was 
the  last  meeting  that  I  attended.  All  my  influence  since  this  meeting  has  been  used  to 
suppress  outrages.  I  went  to  Dr.  A.  Wilson  and  urged  him  to  have  this  tiling  suppressed , 
as  I  thought  he  had  more  influence  than  I  had.  I  went  to  Captain  W.  C.  Johnston  and 
urged  the  same.  He  said  that  some  of  the  young  men  had  persuaded  him  to  join  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  advice,  but  then  he  had  no  influence  with  them  and  was  greatly  hurt 
at  their  c'ourse. 

I  had  information  from  John  R.  Stockard,  who  came  to  my  house  and  told  me  that, 
there  was  a  plot  to  assassinate  W.  R.  Albright,  and  told  me  to  do  all  I  could  to  stop  it. 
We  talked  the  matter  over,  and  lie  informed  me  that  James  Bradshaw  was  one  of  the 
leaders,  in  connection  with  which  one  was  Joseph  B.  Thompson,  Milton  Thompson, 
Dick  Thompson,  Mike  Thompson,  Alexander  Thompson,  and  John  Thompson,  of  Pat- 
terson. I  went  to  see  James  Bradshaw,  who  was  not  at  home.  I  talked  with  John 
Bradshaw,  who  said  he  would  use  all  his  influence  to  put  a  stop  to  it.  I  had  several 
conversations  with  James  E.  Boyd  on  the  subject.  He  always  expressed  hi-nself  greatly 
opposed  to  such,  and  urged  me  to  do  all  I  could  to  stop  it.  My  impression  is  that  there. 
is  in  Alamance  County  seventy-frve  or  more  desperate  men  belonging  to  the  organi/a- 
tiou,  who  would  commit  any  crime  to  carry  out  their  purposes  and  designs,  from  what 
I  have  been  told  by  members  of  the  organization,  and  by  those  who  ought  to  know.  I 
regard  Peter  Foust 's  boys,  A.  G.  Moore,  J.  W.  Steel,  David  A.  Mebane,  Anderson  Thomp- 
son, T.  T.  Turner,  as  such  characters.  James  T.  Hunter  is  a  member  of  the  organi/at  ion  ; 
J.  L.  Scott  is  a  member,  as  rumored.  I  never  wore  a  gown  and  never  saw  a  band  iu 
disguise,  and  never  encouraged  any  person  to  join  the  order. 

W.  S.  BRADSHAW. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  this  30 th  July,  1870. 

W.  A.  ALBRIGHT, 

Clerk  of  Superior  Court. 


NORTH  CAROLINA,  Alamance  County  : 

On  this  the  30th  day  of  July,  1670,  personally  appeared  before  me,  \V.  A.  Albright, 
superior  court  clerk  for  Alamance  County,  W.  S.  Bradshaw,  and  after  being  duly  sworn, 
deposeth  and  says:  That  on  or  about  the  first  part  of  the  year  1869,  I  was  initiated 

into  the  order  of known  and  commonly  called  Ku-Klux.     I  was  installed  by  Jacob 

A.  Long,  in  his  room.  I  was  sworn  that  if  I  revealed  any  of  the  secrets  of  the  order  I 
was  to  suffer  death,  and  should  be  the  first  victim.  I  understood  Jacob  A.  Long  to  be 
the  chief  of  the  county.  Previous  to  this  I  met  with  Dr.  John  A.  Walker,  who  asked 
me  if  I  did  not  want  to  join  a  secret  political  organization.  I  answered  him  that  I  had 
been  a  member  of  one  such,  and  did  not  want  to  connect  myself  with  any  other.  He  then 
said  there  was  such  in  the  country,  and  told  me  that  Jacob  A.  Long  could  give  me  fur- 
ther information,  and  in  addition  to  this  give  me  some  of  the  signs.  After  this  I  was 
in  Graham,  on  business,  and  in  the  evening  I  was  approached  by  Clem.  C.  Curtis, 
who  carried  me  out  behind  Dr.  J.  K.  Ruifin's  drug  store,  and  asked  me  if  I  did  not 
want  to  know  more  about  a  certain  thing  than  I  did.  I  answered  as  I  did  to  Dr.  Walker. 
He  then  said  that  he  would  be  damned  if  I  did  not  know  too  much,  unless  I  knew  more. 
After  talking  over  the  matter  he  told  me  that  he  would  conduct  me  to  a  place  where  I 
could  become  a  full  member.  Upon  this  information  I  was  initiated  as  above  stated. 
There  was  present  J.  E.  Boyd,  and  others,  I  do  not  remember  who.  The  first  meeting 
I  attended  was  at  the  house  where  Jack  Thompson  formerly  resided.  1  think  there, 
was  nothing  done  worthy  of  notice,  except  the  initiation  of  some  new  members.  There 
was  present  J.  N.  Wood,  James  Foust.  James  Bradshaw.  Joseph  15.  Thompson,  (these 
were  officers.)  and  John  Fnr,  Polk  Bradshaw,  Fisher  Bradshaw,  Mike  l-'ui'.  and  others 
I  do  not  remember ;  Jhe  new  members  were  llaywood  Crulchfield.  Patterson  Thomp- 
son, esquire,  and  George  Crutchlield.  I  attended  the  second  meeting  at  William  Fur's 
•house,  on  the  night  of  Dr.  Walker's  sale,  there  were  present  J.  N.  Woo.!,  .lames  Foust, 
and  James  Bradshaw,  (officers,)  J.  K.  Stockard,  J.  X.  H.  Clcndcnin.  George  Long.  Mike 
Thompson,  John  Woo:!,  (as  an  officer,)  Dick  Thompson  and' Joe  B.Alex.  Thompson, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  5 

Juincs  and  John  Albright,  and  others  I  do  not  remember.  Either  at  this  meeting  o:- 
the  ono  prcvioi|;  then-  \v:is  a  move  made  to  make  a  raid  near  Hillsbor<».  I  opposed  the 
move,  and  told  them  if  that  was  the  object,  I  was  out.  I  was  aided  in  this  by  J.  X. 
Wood,  who  said  if  they  persisted  in  this  course  they  need  not  expect  the  protection  of 
the  orii'ani/ation.  About  the  time  we  were  being  dismissed  James  Bradshaw  said  al 
that  wished  to  join  in  this  raid  to  meet  at  Chestnut  Ridge  meeting-house  at  some  hour 
of  a  certain  night.  I  heard  nothing  from  this  raid  exeept  that  Major  Lynch  com- 
manded the  squad  from  MetAnsville.  This  was  the  last  meeting  that  I  attended.  All 
my  inlluence  since  this  meeting  has  been  used  to  suppress  outrages.  I  went  to  Dr.  A. 
Wilson,  and  urged  him  to  have  this  thing  suppressed,  as  I  thought  he  had  more  inrluonc  .• 
than  1  had.  I  went  to  Captain  W.  C.  Johnsou  and  urged  the  same.  He  said  that 
some  of  the  young  men  had  persuaded  him  to  join  for  the  purpose  of  giving  advice,  bin 
then  he  had  no  iiiHuence  witli  them,  and  was  greatly  hurt  at  their  course.  I  had  in- 
formation from  John  1'.  Stockard,  who  came  to  my  house  and  told  me  that  there  was  ;; 
plot  to  assassinate-  W.  K.  Albright,  and  told  me  to  do  all  I  could  to  stop  it.  We  talked 
the  matter  over,  and  he  informed  me  that  James  Bradshaw  wa.s  one  of  tin-  leaders  :  ii: 
connection  with  which  one  was  Joseph  B.  Thompson,  Milton  Thompson,  Dick  Thomp- 
son, Mike  Thompson.  Alex.  Thompson,  and  John  Thompson,  of  Patterson.  I  went  to 
see  James  Kradshaw,  who  was  not  at  home.  I  talked  with  John  Uradshaw,  who  said 
he  would  use  all  his  inrtuenoe  to  put  a  stop  to  it.  I  had  several  conversations  with 
.hmi'-s  II.  linyd  on  this  subject.  He  always  expressed  himself  greatly  opposed  to  such 
and  urged  me  to  do  all  I  could  to  stop  it.  My  impression  is  that  there  is  in  Alamauee 
County  seventy-live  or  more  desperate  men  belonging  to  the  organization  who  would 
commit  any  crime  to  c'arry  out  their  purposes  and  designs.  From  what  I  have  beei; 
told  by  members  of  the  organization,  and  by  those  who  ought  to  know,  I  regard  Peter 
Foust's  boys,  A.  G.  Moore,  J.  W.  Steel,  David  A.  Mabane,  Anderson  Thompson,  T.  T. 
Turner,  as  such  characters.  Jarnes  T.  Hunter  is  a  member  of  the  organization.  J.  L. 
Scott  is  a  member  as  rumored.  I  never  wore  a  gown  and  never  saw  a  baud  in  disguise, 
and  never  encouraged  any  person  to  join  the  order. 

W.  S.  BRADSHAW. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  Mth  July,  1670. 

W.  A.  ALBRIGHT, 

Ckrk  Supreme  Court. 


STATK  OK  Ntwni  CAHOLINA,  .Humancr  County  : 

AUGUST  1,  1870. 

This  day  personally  appeared  before  me,  William  R.  Albright,  acting  justice  of  the 
peace  for  said  county,  J.  W.  Simms,  who  being  duly  sworn,  deposes  and  says : 

About  live  months  ago  I  was  approached  by  Daniel  Whitsell,  and  told  of  a  secret 
political  organization,  which  he  recommended  as  a  great  thing,  and  told  me  that  I  ha*l 
better  join  it  for  my  own  protection  and  that  of  my  father,  who  is  a  member  of  the 
republican  party.  I  am  a  member  of  the  radical  party,  voted  the  whole  ticket  at  the 
lasr  election,  and  thought  that  as  my  own  life  and  that  of  my  father  were  endangered, 
I  had  better  join  the  order,  so  that  I  might  live  in  more  security  and  bo  better  aide  to 
protect  those  who  were  dear  to  me. 

J.  W.  SIMMS. 
Sworn  and  subscribed  before  lire  thisthe  1st  day  of  August,  1870. 

WM.  R,  ALBRIGHT, 

Acliny  Justice  of  the  I't-im . 
A  true  copy  : 

J.  B.  HEATHEY, 

I'rieale  SirrelHi-if. 


N turn i  CAIIOI.INA,   J/«;/t«/i« Coiiidi/ : 

A.L-UU.ST  1,  1870. 

This  day  personally  appeared  before  me,  P.  R.  Harden,  an  aclir.g  justice  of  the 
peace  for  said  county,  \Villiam  Quackenbnsh,  who,  beingduly  sworn,  deposeth  and  says  : 

1  joined  an  organization  in  December,  1869,  or  January,  1870,  called  Kii-Klux  or  White 
Brotherhood  :  a  party  of  disguised  men  came  to  my  house,  and  said  they  understood  1 
w  anted  to  see  the  Ku-Klux  ;  wanted  to  know  what  I  wanted  with  them,  and  finally  pni  - 
snaded  me  to  join  them.  I  am  certain  that  I  know  one  of  them,  .1.  I.  Md'herson.  1  think 
Peter  Foust's  boys,  and  George  and  John  Barber  v.  ere  in  the  crowd.  One  of  them  a<:- 
ministered  an  oath  to  me.  They  then  told  me.  there  was  work  to  be  done  that  night, 
and  that  I  must  go  with  them  :  they  then  gave  me  a  gown. and  1  went  with  them.  We 
went  tirst  to  Manly  Turner's ;  they  inquired  there  if  anything -was  to  be  done:  was 


6  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

told  that  Jim  Cole  said  he  wanted  them  to  come  and  give  him  his  whipping,  and  let 
his  dread  be  over.  Cole  had  said  that  if  they  came  to  his  house  he*vould  put  seven 
balls  into  some  of  them.  We  then  went  to  Cole's,  and  ordered  him  to  open  the  door  ; 
he  done  so ;  they  asked  his  wife  if  he  had  not  been  maltreating  her ;  she  said  he 
had  not ;  they  asked  what  he  meant  by  threatening  to  shoot  the  Ku-Klnx ;  he 
denied  making  any  such  threats ;  they  told  him  he  had.  and  pulled  him  out  of  the  house  ; 
two  of  them  held  him  while  another  commenced  to  whip  him;  the  first  one  gave 
him  ten  licks ;  another  man  then  gave  him  ten  ;  they  then  told  me  that  I  must  give  him 
ten,  and  I  done  so  ;  I  saw  blood  stains  through  his  shirt,  and  I  did  not  hit  him  very 
hard  ;  I  was  compelled  to  do  it,  for  they  swore  me  to  do  everything  I  was  told,  even 
to  kill  my  own  father ;  they  would  have  whipped  him  more,  but  I  begged  for  him.  We 
then  went  to  Alfred  Hat  wood's  and  told  him  about  whipping  Cole.  There  was  nothing 
more  done  that  night ;  they  told  me  they  would  give  me  notice  when  I  was  wanted 
again.  I  never  attended  any  meeting,  and  never  went  on  any  other  raid.  I  could  not 
get  out  of  it ;  if  I  had  tried  to,  or  told  anything,  I  would  have  been  killed.  I  under- 
stood the  object  of  the  organization  to  be  to  take  the  law  in  our  own  hands,  and  to 
whip  or  hang  any  one  we  saw  proper. 

WM.  QUACKENBUSH. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  1st  August,  1870. 

P.  R.  HARDEN 

Jtini'x'c  of  Ihe  Peace. 


STATE  OF  Noitni  CAISOMNA,  Alamance  County  : 

AUGUST  1,  H70. 

This  day  personally  appeared  before  me,  P.  R.  Harden,  an  acting  justice  of  t ! 
for  said  county,  J.  F.  Hopkins,  who,  being  duly  sworn.deposeth  and  says: 

I  joined  an  organization  called  the  White  Brotherhood  about  two  years  ago,  at  a 
place  between  John  and  William  Newliu's;  I  was  taken  there  by  William  Stockard; 
I  was  persuaded  into  it  by  William  Stockard ;  he  asked  me  if  I  did  not  want  to  hunt 
the  Ku-Klux  ;  I  told  him  I  would  as  soon  go  as  not ;  I  thought  he  knew  they  were  to 
pass  some  place,  and  I  would  go  with  him  and  see  them  ;  when  we  got  to  the  place  we 
met  a  man  who  took  me  to  where  there  were  several  more  men  :  1  told  them  1  did  not 
want  to  join ;  they  said  if  I  did  not  join  now  I  would  be  killed  ;  one  of  them,  who  they 
called  chief,  administered  the  oath  to  me;  I  have  attended  two  meetings  :  there  were 
present  at  the  first  meeting  William  Stockard,  Alfred  Newlin,  Johu  Ncwliu.  Cave  Cates, 
Thomas  R.  Moore,  Seymour  Coble,  Jasper  N.  Wood.  Jasper  N.  Wood  and  Seymour  Coble 
kept  a  list  of  new  members  as  they  were  initiated;  in  those  meeting:- si  Mt<  nee  was 
passed  on  the  republican  party,  and  it  was  determined  to  hang  them,  or  stop  them 
from  voting;  the  object  of  the  meetings  was  to  take  the  law  in  our  own  hands,  and  to 
whip  or  hang  any  one  we  saw  proper  to.  At  the  first  meeting  AVC  elected  the  follow- 
ing officers:  William  Stoekard,  chief;  Johu  Newlin,  esq..  lieutenant:  and  — ,  cap- 
tain. We  appointed  another  meeting  to  be  held  at  Spring  meeting-house  ;  there,  were 
at  this  meeting  Matthew  Hopkins,  William  Stockard,  Thomas  Robinson,  jr.,  Alfred  Xcw- 
lin,  Cave  Cates ;  we  expected  several  more,  but  they  did  not  come ;  nothing  of  im- 
portance was  done  at  this  meeting.  We  appointed  another  meeting  to  Iv  held  at  .Mal- 
let's old  still-house  :  the  object  of  this  third  meeting  was  to  make  arrangements  to  go 
and  whip  William  Maynor;  it  was  suggested  by  William  Stockard  and" Thomas  Rob- 
inson that  Maynor  should  be  whipped  for  reporting  persons  for  illegal  distilling.  John 
Duke  and  Johu  Stockard  told  me  that  there  wa*  to  "be  a  meeting  to  make  arrangements 
to  drown  or  hang  Thomas  Norwood  ;  Duke  said  that  the  damned  old  son  of  a  bitch 
ought  to  be  hung.  1  was  on  one  raid,  but  not  disguised  :  there  was  with  me  Matthew 
Hopkins,  John  Duke,  Newton  Robinson,  Chesley  Robinson,  Ed.  Freeman,  George  Stock- 
ard; they  were  all  disguised:  we  went  to  Dow  Worth's,  (colored;)  the  others  left  me 
,-it  the  fence  to  hold  the  horses,  and  went  to  the  house,  and  took  out  Dow  Worth  and 
Arch  Dark,  (colored,)  and  whipped  them,  and  took  a  pistol  away  from  them.  We  next, 
went  to  Alfred  White's ;  they  left  me  at  the  fence  with  the  horses,  and  went  to  the 
house  and  called  him  up  and  took  him  out  and  whipped  him;  (they  all  took  part 
in  the  whipping;)  they  said  they  whipped  him  for  running  after  Thomas  Norwood's 
girls.  They  said  that  they  intended  to  carry  the  next  election,  if  they  had  to  kill  or 
run  off'  all  the  negroes.  We  next  went  to  Jonathan  Zarhroy's;  I  was  again  left  with 
the  horses  ;  the  rest  went  to  the  house  ;  ho  opened  the  door,  and  they  went  in  and  told 
him  he  must  keep  his  crazy  daughter  at  home ;  if  he  did  not,  they  would  call  upon  him 
again  ;  (his  daughter  was  in  the  habit  of  going  where  she  pleased  in  the  neighborhood.) 
William  Stockard  has  been  turned  out  of  office  as  chief  of  our  cam]),  and  John  Duko 
••leeted  in  his  place.  I  told  John  Duke,  the  chief,  I  did  not  want  to  go  on.  this  raid  ; 
that  I  had  no  gown  ;  he  told  me  I  must  go,  that  I  could  mind  the  hoims.  Matthew  Hop- 
kins told  me  that  he  heard  there  was  to  be  a  meeting  at  Gilbivath's  Bridge,  to  go  and 
'iang  S.  M.  Shoft'ner,  and  he  told  them  he 'would  not  go  himself.  The  following  aro 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    RY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  7 

•Members  of  flu-  organi/ation  :  William  C.  Moore,  David  Moore,  Thomas  Gnthric, 
Henry  Duke.  1  would  have  given  anything  to  have  got  out  of  the  organization,  bnt 
could  not  get  out  without  tolling  it.  and  if  I  told  I  would  have  been  killed.  They  told 
me  if  I  told  anything  that  I  should  hang  to  a  limb. 

JAMES  F.  +  HOPKINS. 

mark. 
Witness:  S.  .}.  TI;I;M;;:. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  nit-  tins  day,  August  1,  1870. 

P.  K.  HARDEN,  ./. 


RALKIGH,  NOUTH  CAUOLINA,  August  12,  1870. 

Thomas  F.  Williford.  of  Cabarrus  County,  voluntarily  and  of  his  own  accord,  doth 
confers  and  say,  having  come  from  his  own  home  to  Raleigh  for  that  purpose,  that  he, 
during  the  last  year,  lived  in  Lenoir  County,  six  miles  north  of  Kinston,  having 
moved  to  that  county  in  1866.  That  SOUK;  time  in  April  or  May,  1869,  on  one  Sunday, 
as  ho  and  his  wife  wore  going  to  Sunday-school,  he  was  met  by  Jesse  C.  Kenady  and 
Jell'  Perry,  who  persuaded  him  to  go  to  Kenady's  house,  which  was  near  the  place  they 
met  him.  He  turned  back  and  went  with  them,  iii.s  wife  going  on  to  Sunday-school. 

When  ho  got  then-,  besides  .J.  C.  Kenady  and  Jeff  Perry,  who  went  with  him,  ho 
found  Lawyer  Monroe,  from  Kinston,  and  one  Hill.  The  crowd  was  drinking.  Some 
half  hour  after  he  was  there,  J.  C.  Kenady,  in  the  presence  of  the  other  men,  initiated 
him  into  the  C.  II.  G.,  and  administered  to  him  an  oath,  the  purport  of  which  was  that 
he  was  to  keep  the  secrets  of  the  order,  and  not  reveal  anything  that  took  place.  He 
\v;is  also  sworn  to  obey  the  orders  of  his  superior  officers.  He  understood  that  fora 
violation  of  this  oath  the  punishment  would  be  death.  Kenady  at  the  same  time  read 
to  him  the  by-laws.  He  docs  not  recollect  all  the  by-laws,  but  was  under  the  impres- 
sion that  the  order  was  committed  to  the  overthrow  of  the  radical  party,  and  to  hos- 
tility to  the  colored  people,  and  that  any  means  whatever  were  to  be  used  to  effect  the 
object  of  the  order. 

The  Saturday  after  he.  joined  he  attended  a  meeting  of  the  order  at  2  p.  in.  at  Henry 
Croom's  still-house.  There  were;  present  J.  C.  Kenady,  chief;  Ashly  Vaughn,  soutii 
commander;  Monroe,  north  commander;  James  Greloii,  west  commander;  Henry 

Croom,  secretary  ;  Smith,  treasurer.     The  latter  was  sitting  with  Groom.     These 

were  present  also  James  Perry,  Samuel  Perry,  Jeff  Perry,  James  Hines,  three  Harper 
boys,  two  Davisos,  (one,  called  Kit  Davis.)  John  Harrow,  Aleck  Dawson,  and  three  of 
the  Hills,  and  two  of  the  Ilinos  boys,  and  some  others,  in  all  about  thirty. 

It  was  understood  at  this  meeting  that  every  member  was  bound  to  report  to  Kenady 
Ilir  name  of  every  radical  and  negro  who  said  anything  about  the  order.  If  any  mem- 
ber failed  to  do  this  he  was  to  be  punished.  It  was  also  ordered  that  no  member  should 
work  with  any  negro  on  shares,  but  for  such  a  price. 

The  second  Sunday  after  the  above  mooting,  he  attended  another  meeting  at  the 
same  place,  some  forty  present.  Joseph  Parrott  and  his  brother,  and  Joshua  Suggs, 
and  two  others  were  initiated.  At  this  meeting  it  was  determined  that  Mowers,  the 
detective,  should  be  killed.  Kenady  said  that  ho.  ought  to  be  put  out  of  the  way.  To 
this  Jeff  Perry  agreed,  and  said  he  would  be  one  of  iive  to  do  it.  Monroe  promised  to 
get  him  to  go  to  the  house  of  Mag  Hines.  a  dissolute  woman  in  Kinston,  where  they 
could  get  him;  that  he,  Monroe,  had  often  drank  with  Mowers,  and  ho,  Mowers,  would 
iot  suspect  him.  No  one  else  volunteered,  as  it  was  understood  that  it  would  be  ar- 
•anged  among  themselves. 

The  Sunday  afterward  Jeff  Perry  told  him,  Williford,  that  if  it  had  not  rained  Sat- 
urday night  Mowers  would  have  gone  up;  that  he  would  have  been  in  the  river  with 
the  cat-fish  eating  his  carcass. 

He  attended  another  meeting  in  about  three  weeks,  which  was  ordered  by  Kenady, 
.some  twenty-live,  present.  It  was  then  ordered  that  the  jail  should  he  broken  open 
and  Ashly  Vaughn  and  Jim  Hinos  taken  out  and  let  loose.  The  meeting  was  on  Sun- 
day, and  the  members  were  ordered  to  moot  at  the.  county  bridge  near  'Kinston  by  10 
o'clock  that  night.  He  did  not  wish  to  go.  as  his  child  was  sick,  but  Kenady  and  Jim 
iVrry  said  ho  should  go.  He  go{  to  the  bridge  about  Id  o'clock,  and  waited  for  the 
crowd.  There  were  some  thirty-live  or  forty  of  the  crowd.  They  left  the  bridge  and 
went  to  the  graveyard,  where  they  discussed  the  manner  the  jail  was  to  be  broken 
open.  In  about  ten  minutes  it  \\as  decided  to  break  open  the  door  with  a  sledge-ham- 
nor.  and  the  crowd  went  toward  the  jail.  Some  ton  or  twelve  guards  were  placed 
around  the  jail  from  twenty-five  TO  seventy-five  steps  from  it.  Some  twenty-live  of 
Mie  crowd  went  up  and  stood  around  the  jail  door.  Captain  Harper  called  for  the 
hammer,  and  commenced  breaking  in  the  door.  He,  Williford,  after  a  couple  of  licks 
on  the  door,  moved  oil'  and  stood  by  the  corner  of  the  court-house.  Most  of  the  crowd 
was  armed  with  shot-guns.  None  of  them  wore  disguised.  After  considerable  ham- 
mering the  door  Hew  open,  and  Yaii^er,  or  Do  Nanger,  and  Hine.s  came,  out.  As  soon 


8  OUTRAGES   COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

as  the  crowd  had  the  prisoners,  and  after  cheering  in  front  of  Richard  Kind's  house 
they  left  Kinston  between  12  and  1  o'clock,  going  to  their-several  homes.  He  saw  no 
citizens  out  during  the  time.  There  were  in  the  crowd  at  the  jail  Captain  Harper, 
Henry  Croom,  Samuel  Perry,  Reddin  Hines,  one  of  the  Hill  boys,  two  of  the  Harpers, 
brothers  of  the  captain,  Joseph  Parrott,  Alexander  Dawson,  Mr.  Tillen.  The  others  lie 
does  not  now  recollect. 

On  a  Saturday,  at  Croom's  distillery,  some  two  weeks  after  the  jail  was  broken  open, 
he  was  at  another  meeting.  There  was  present  Kenady,  James  Perry,  Jeff  Perry,  Sam 
Perry,  Henry  Croom,  -: —  Smith,  Alexander  Dawson,  Ashly  Vaughn,  Kit  Davis,  James 
Hines,  Reddin  Hines,  three  Harper  boys,  and  a  good  many  others  whose  names  he  does 
not  recollect.  Kenaday,  at  this  meeting,  told  the  members  that  Colgrove,  the  shcrif ' 
of  Jones  County,  ought  to  die;  that  he,  Colgrove,  had  just  got  loose  from  the  peniten- 
tiary, arid  if  they  didn't  kill  him  they  were  not  true  to  their  clan.  Reddin  Hines  said 
it  was  all  right ;  that  he,  Colgrove,  "  should  go  up."  The  camp  determined  then  to 
raise  a  certain  sum  for  Colgrove's  scalp,  and  subscriptions  were  then  made.  Kenad.v 
said  he  would  give  $10,  and,  if  necessary,  $50.  One  of  the  Davises  said  ho  would  give 
$5,  and  Croom,  Smith,  Reddin  Hines,  Jeff  Perry,  the  three  Harper  boys,  and  others, 
also  promised. 

It  was  understood  that  at  the  next  meeting  it  would  be  decided  who  and  how  inauy 
should  go  and  do  the  deed.  At  the  next  meeting  he,  Williford,  was  sick  and  did  not  go. 
The  Monday  after  the  meeting  he  saw  Jeff  Perry  in  his  field,  and  he,  Perry,  told  him 
the  arrangements  were  made,  that  Colgrove  had  to  "go  up,"  remarking  ••that  some  of 
the  best  of  the  boys  had  to  go,  and  if  they  did  get  him  there  would  be  one  of  the  biggest 
barbecues  ever  given  in  Jones  County."  This  conversation  took  place  about  two  \vcck- 
before  Colgrove  was  killed,  and  about  some  three  or  four  weeks  a  big  barbecue  was 
given  at  Farm  Valley  by  Jesse  Kenady,  Joe  Parrott,  and  Jim  and  Jeff  Perry,  and 
others.  He,  Williford,  went  to  no  more  .meetings.  He  understood  that  the  order  was 
brought  to  Lenoir  County  by  one  Temple,  of  Wake  County,  who  was  a  brother-in-law 
of  Croom.  After  Colgrove's  death  Keuady  told  him  there  Avere  but  ten  of  the  camp 
who  were  in  it,  or  who  were  with  those  that  killed  Colgrove. 

Soon  after  Grant  was  killed,  Ash,  DeNauger,  and  Joe  Parrott  told  him.  Williford, 
they  were  present  and  helped  do  it.  It  was  his  understanding  from  the  by-laws, 
and  the  charges  given  in  the  meetings,  that  the  members  were  to  do  everything  in  their 
power  to  break  up  the  radical  party,  even  to  burning  their  houses,  killing  th.em  when 
ordered  bv  the  camp,  destroying  their  property,  &c. 

T.  F.  WILLIFORD. 

Test: 

QlJKNT    BlTSHEK. 


Affidavit  of  F.  U.  Blanchard. 

F.  U.  Blanchard,  a  citizen  of  Alamance  County,  North  Carolina,  being  duly  sworn.,. 
deposes  and  swears  as  follows: 

I  was  initiated  as  a  member  of  the  organization  of  White  Brotherhood  about  two 
years  ago.  I  was  initiated  by  George  Mebane  ;  there  were  about  *i\  present,  all  in  dis- 
guise, save  Younger.  Mebane  was  in  disguise  until  after  I  was  initiated,  then  he  took 
off  his  false  face.  The  others  I  did  not  know.  After  Younger  and  myself  were  initiated 
we  were  asked  "  what  we  came  there  for."  I  answered,  I  did  not  know.  They  said 
"  we  had  you  brought  here  to  make  something  in  the  shape  of  a  coffin  for  to  put  at  Joseph 
McAdam's  door  to  scare  him."  I  told  them  that  is  something  I  cannot  do.  Some  of  the 
party  told  me  that  if  I  did  not  do  it  I  would  be  hanged,  and  put  a  rope  around  my  neck, 
and  one  of  them  run  up  a  tree  with  a  rope  in  his  hands,  and  some  one  said  "  hold  on.'' 
There  the  matter  stopped.  I  assisted  in  making  the  coffin  or  box.  I  did  this,  fearing 
that  if  I  did  not,  I  would  bo  punished  with  death,  as  I  thought.  After  making  this  bo> 
it  was  left  in  the  shop,  which  was  an  open  one.  On  the  next  morning  the  coffin  was 
missing.  This  coffin  was  finished  on  Saturday.  The  next  I  heard  of  this  was  that  the, 
coffin  was  placed  at  Mr.  McAdam's  door.  I  did  not  know  the  parties  that  placed  ar 
the  door  of  Mr.  McAdams  this  coffin. 

I  never  afterwards  had  anything  to  do  with  the  organization,  because,  from  the 
above,  I  was  led  to  believe  that  its  purpose  were  wrong. 

I  would  have  exposed  the  whole  thing  at  the  time,  if  I  had  not  been  afraid  being 
punished  by  death  by  the  organization.  I  do  not  think  any  man  coul.l  have  been  con- 
victed by  the  civil  authority,  for  the  reason  that  we  were  bound  to  swear  for  our  com- 
rades, even  to  the  extent  of  an  alibi,  and  no  power  but  the  military  could  have  broken 
it  up.  I  never  had  a  gown ;  I  was  never  in  disguise.  This  organization  was  for  tlm 
purpose  of  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  conservative  party. 

F.  U.  BLANCHARD. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me,  August  17,  1870. 

W.  A.  ALBRIGHT, 

C.  >'.  i 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  9 

J.  J.  Younger,  a  eiti/en  of  Alamance  County,  after  being  duly  sworn,  dcpose>  aiu! 
nays  : 

I  joined  the  organization  of  Constitutional  1'uion  Guards  about  two  years  past. 
I  was  initiated  in  the  woods  near  Sellars's  mill  ou  Haw  River  in  said  county.  There 
were  present  Jive  men,  three  of  whom  I  knew,  to  wit,  John  Long,  George  Mebane,  and 
F.  W.  Klaiiehard,  the  others  were  in  disguise.  George  Mebane "made  a  motion  that  a 
box  imitating  a  coffin  should  be  made  to  put  at  Joseph  McAdam's  door,  but  intended 
no  damage;  which  motion  was  carried.  Then  F.  W.  Blanchard  and  m\ self  were  des- 
ignated to  make  it,  we  both  being  mechanics.  I  insisted  that  I  would  not  do  it,  as  .Mr- 
Adam  was  a  brother  mason.  I  was  told  by  George  Mebane,  "  You  will  have  it  to  make 
or  you  will  be  punished."  and  my  understanding  was  that  that  punishment  would  be 
death.  I  assisted  in  making  the  box  at  the  time  I  was  ordered  to  do  so.  I  was  or- 
dered to  do  this  within  two  days  after  the  meeting  referred  to.  I  made  the  coffin  at 
F.^M.  Blanchard's  shop,  one  mile  from  Big  Falls,  in  said  county,  and  left  it  in  said  shop  ; 
said  shop  stands  about  half  open — no  doors  one  end — entirely  open  half  of  one  side. 
On  the  next  morning  the  coffin  was  not  there.  The  next  I  heard  of  this  coffin,  or  one 

similar  to  the  ( I  made,  was  put  at  said  McAdam's  door  at  his  dwelling.     I  would 

have  informed  Mr.  McAdam  of  this  had  I  not  felt  sure  that  I  would  be  punished  either 
by  whipping,  hanging,  or  drowning.  I  had  a  gown,  but  on  reflection  I  destroyed  it 
the  day  after  the  coffin  was  placed  at  this  man's  door.  I  then  thought  the  organization 
was  wrong  ;  the,  purposes  of  the  organization,  as  I  understood  them,  were  being  per- 
verted. I  had  nothing  further  to  do  with  it ;  and  I  believe  if  myself  and  Blam-hard 
had  been  arrested  by  the  civil  authorities,  the  parties  who  ordered  us  to  make  the  box 
would  have  sworn  falsely  in  the  matter,  and  my  impression  is  that  it  was  generally 
understood  that  the  organization  or  the  members  of  it  should  do  all  they  could  to  keep 
comrades  from  being  punished  by  any  authority,  even  to  the  extent  of  swearing  an 
alibi.  I  never  was  on  a  raid  ;  never  was  in  any  meeting  but  the  one  named  above,  and 
know  none  of  its  members,  as  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  it  after  the  making  of  the 
coffin. 

.1.  J.    YOl'XGER. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  this  17th  of  August.  1870. 

W.  A.  ALBRIGHT, 

C.  S.  C. 


STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA,  County  of  Alamance: 

Before  me,  a  justice  of  the  peace,  personally  appeared  J.  C.  Whitesell.  who  being 
duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  says  : 

I  was  taken  into  the  society  known  by  the  name  of  White  Brotherhood  by  John 
E.  Clap}>,  in  the  month  of  April,  1869.  Andrew  Kuifman  was  sworn  in  at  the  same 
time ;  Thaddeus  Ingle  was  sworn  in  at  the  same  time ;  Jacob  Kuffmau  at  the  same  time. 
I  don't  now  recollect  all  of  the  oath,  but  we  were  told  that  if  ever  I  revealed  the  secret 
I  would  be  punished  by  the  order  of  camp.  J.  H.  Albright  is  the  first  man  that  ever 
named  it  to  me,  and  conducted  me  to  camp.  I  was  where  they  met,  at  Xaulding's 
shop,  Macou.  Apple  was  chief,  and  once  at  Cable's  school-house,  William  Tickel  was 
chief  that  night.  John  Wagner,  and  Jacob  Wagner,  and  Lewis  Huffius,  and  Peter 
Michael,  and  Joel  Tickel,  and  Calvin  Tickel,  and  J.  H.  Albright,  appointed  a  meeting 
near  the  railroad  last  September,  to  elect  a  chief,  at  which  meeting  I  was  elected  chief 
of  the  camp.  The  next  meeting  was  near  George  Whitesell's,  and  I,  as  chyef,  adminis- 
tered the  oath  to  George  Whitesell,  and  Daniel  Patten,  and  William  Swing,  and  Joel 
Swing,  and  William  Huffman,  and  John  Curtis,  and  Alfred  Whitesell,  and  John  Huff- 
man. Macon  Apple's  camp  ordered  that  a  negro  man  was  to  be  whipped  at  a  certain 
time,  living  at  Robert  Thomas's.  Myself  and  Daniel  Whitesell,  and  Rankin  Lewey, 
and  Patterson  Whitesell,  and  Rankin  Whitesell,  and  J.  H.  Albright,  and  Maeon  Apple, 
and  Alson  Burr,  and  others  that  I  don't  recollect— Macon  Apple  ordered  that  we  should 
give  so  many  licks.  The  next  raid  I  was  in  was  at  Lewis  Tickel's ;  the  whipping  of 
William  Long,  black  man,  myself  and  Rankin  Whitesell,  and  Jeremiah  Whitesell,  and 
Daniel  Whitesell,  Rankin  Low,  and  William  Low,  William  Tickel,  William  Smith, 


10 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 


ROXBORO,  PKRSON  COUNTY,  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

October  7,  1870. 

:  The  iirst  victim  to  Ku-Klux  violence  was  Mr.  S.  L.  Wiles;  lived  four 
miles  south  of  Roxboro ;  an  industrious  and,  in  his  dealings  with  persons,  strictly 
honest  man.  The  alleged  charge  against  him  was  that  lie  was  living  in  adultery  with 
a  colored  woman.  (Can't  say  as  to  the  truth  of  the  charge.)  The  woman's  name  is 
\Harriet  Bran,  who  also,  with  Wiles,  was  cruelly  whipped,  and  both  of  them  driven 
from  the  farm  he  had  rented  for  the  year.  The  next  and  only  other  instance  I  can  call 
to  mind  was  against  Win.  B.  Hudgens;  the  supposed  cause  was  that  he  was  living  on 
land  the  title  of  which  is  in  dispute.'  The  party  not  in  possession  had  ordered  him 
to  leave  the  premises,  threatening  at  the  same  time  if  ho  failed  to  do  so  within  a  cer- 
'  tain  time  he  \vould  bo  Kn-Kluxed  off.  He  failed  to  leave  as  ordered,  and  was  after- 
wards cruelly  and  most  terribly  beaten  by  disguised  men,  (26  in  number,)  and  forced, 
to  leave  the  premises  he  had  leased  for  two  years. 

Hudgens  has  always  voted  the  democratic  ticket;  Wiles   the  republican.     I  don't 
think  politics  had  anything  to  do  with  either  case. 
Most  respectfully,  &c., 

Governor  HOLDK.V.  llalciyk.  N.  C. 

P.  S.— I  had  liked  to  have  forgotten  to  mention  the  case  of  a  Mr.  Thomas,  United 

States  detective,  who  visited  Roxboro  on  business  pertaining  to  his  duty,  and,  during 

the  night,  had  a  coffin  placed  at  his  door,  with  the  following  inscription  tacked  on  it, 

,  to  wit:  "  You  and  all  other  damned  radicals  had  better  leave  these  parts  or  else  you 

will  fill  this  furniture." 

A  true  copy  of  original  letter  on  file  in  executive  department  of  North  Carolina. 

J.  B.  NEATHERY, 

Private  Secretary. 


LIM:OI,NTON,  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

October  17,  1870. 

DEAR  Silt :  According  to  your  request  we  send  you  the  below  list  of  names  of  per- 
sons that  have  been  maltreated  in  Lincoln  County :  » 


Harriet  Quickel 

Black 

Whipped  and  shot. 
Whipped. 
Whipped. 
Whipped. 
Whipped  and  robbed  of  $15. 
Whipped  and  shot. 
Robbed  in  the  woods  of  all  his  money. 
Whipped  and  shot. 
Whipped  and  drove  from  home  ;  life  threat- 
ened if  lie  returned. 
Whipped  and  drove  from  home;  life  threat- 
ened if  he  returned. 
Whipped  and  shot  dangerously. 
Whipped  and  shot  dangerously. 
Whipped. 
Whipped  and  shot. 
Whipped. 
Whipped  and  shot. 
Whipped. 
Whipped. 
Whipped. 
Whipped. 
House  robbed  of  two  guns. 

Sam  Ward,  wife,  and  daughter. 
Rufns  Friday  and  wife  
James  Falls 

...do... 
...do... 
...do... 

do 

John  Conuely  . 

...do... 

William  Ma^bee 

do 

Reuben  Litton  

...do... 

Jerry  Wood 

do 

do 

Rufus  Bindhardt 

do 

E.  Wilfong  

...do... 

Peter  Hoover 

do 

Lawson  Friday  .. 

...do... 

S.  Motz  

do 

John  Miller 

White  . 
.     do 

Adeline  Fisher. 

Mary  Fisher 

do 

Sally  Fisher  
J.  McMellen  .  . 

...do... 
do 

Jeff  Herndon 

Black.. 

i    There  are  a  number  of  other  cases,  but  we  cannot  get  their  names. 
•a  The  colored  man,  Wilfong,  was  shot  in  the  back  and  is  mutilated  for  life.      * 
For  the  sake  of  my  family  please  not  mention  my  name  in  this  matter. 
Governor  HOLDKN. 

I  certify  on  honor  that  the  above  is  a  true  copy  of  the  original  report,  on  file  in  tho 
••xerutivo  department  of  North  Carolina. 

v  J.  B.  NEATHERY, 

/'i-ii-atf  Nwe.tnri;. 
J>w  >n  her  20,  1870. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  11 

STOKKS  COUNTY,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  October  23,  1870. 

I  believe  tliis  infamous  order  of  Tint  fin  existed  hero  in  the  tall  of  1867.  Tobacco 
traders  and  distillers  \vln>  were,  in  the  habit  of  evading  the,  revenue  laws,  and  more 
especially  the  tobacco  peddlers  to  South-Carolina  and  Georgia,  were  the  tirst  persons 
to  become  acquainted  with  the  concern,  and  to  initiate,  others  in  this  region,  and  to 
practice  the  diabolical  edicts  of  the  order. 

*  *  *  Just  before  tin  -Presidential  election  I  had  information  that  three  councils 
of  Ku-Klu\  existed  in  the,  county.  One,  act  of  theirs  was  to  attack  and  beat  Stephen 
Bynum,  a  colored  man,  near  (.Jcrmantown.  A  number  of  masked  men  took  him  out  of 
his  house  late  at  night,  and  whipped  him  on  account  of  his  being  a  republican. 

About  the  same  time  a  number  of  masked  men  rode  through  the  town  of  Gcrmar.t  >\vn, 
a>nd,  while  a  party  of  colored  people  of  both  sexes  were,  dancing,  tired  into  the.  house  \/ 
ami  badly  wounded  a  colored  man  in  the,  knee. 

Various  other  acts  have  been  committed  at  different,  periods,  (of  whipping.) 

Parties  of  masked  men  have  been  seen  in  many  localities,  and  men  of  prominence 
have  received  letters  containing  threats  of  violence  to  them  on  account  of  their 
political  opinions.. 

Threats  of  violence  have  frequently  been  made  to  colored  men  who  lived  on  the  land 
of  rebels,  that  they  would  be  dispossessed  if  they  voted  for  republicans. 

The  proper  authorities,  who  have,  been  informed  of  these  facts,  were,  either  afraid  to 
move  in,  the  matter  or  did  not  care,  about  it.  Nothing  has  been  done  more  than  to 
.nake  SOUK-  little  pretense. 

1 'lease  do  not  use,  my  name. 

1  certify,  on  honor,  that  the  above  is  a  true  copy  of  a  letter  from  Stokes  County,  on 
file  in  the  executive  deportment. 

J.  B.  NEATHERY, 

Prirate  Secretary. 

1-70. 


ASHKBORO,  NOUTH  CAROLINA,  October  26,  1870. 

DKAK  SIR  :  Yours  of  the  30th  ultimo  is  to  hand.  I  am  sorry  to  have  to  inform  you 
that  Randolph  County  is  almost  entirely  governed  by  the  Ku-Klux.  I  supposed  before, 
Mie  election  that  there  were  a  good  many  in  the  county,  but  I  had  no  idea  that  they 
were  half  so  well  organized  ;  but  I  am  proud  to  say  that  my  township  gave  a  large 
republican  majority.  The  Ku-Klux  have  not  committed  many  gross  outrages  in  this 
county,  like  they  have  in  some  others.  Their  object  seemed  to  be  to  decoy  as-many  as 
pus.Mble  into  the  organization  by  making  them  believe  it  was  not  a  very  bad  thing. 
They  paraded  through  several  neighborhoods  just  before  the  election,  in  order  to  terrify 
the  most  timid  republicans,  and  by  their  threats,  &c.,  make  them  stay  away  from  the 
election.  They  knew  very  well  who  was  easily  scared.  They  have  not  been  so  bold 
since  the  militia  was  called  out.  If  the  republicans  had  not  (some  of  them,  both  white 
and  colored)  been  so  easily  intimidated  and  staid  at  home,  we  could  easily  have;  car- 
ried Randolph.  It  is  \ery  hard  to  know  whom  to  put  confidence  in.  I  know  a  great 
many  men  who"  laid  out  during  the  war,  who  were  whipped,  kicked,  and  handcuffed 
by  the  rebels  during  the  war,  who  are  now  among  the  Ku-Klux.  and  voted  for  the.  men 
Miat  abused  them  so  badly.  I  don't  know  that  any  person  in  this  county  has  been 
murdered  by  the  Ku-Klux.  I  only  know  of  two  that  have  been  whipped  ;  one  was  a 
colored  boy,  I  think,  by  the  name  of  Cheek,  who  was  taken  to  Franklinsville  last 
spring,  IB  the  night,  and  tied  up  and  -whipped  in  the  village,  .lames  Brookshire,  a 
<  olored  man.  was  whipped  at  his  owu  house  last  spring,  and  his  gun  taken  away,  and 
.Jie  forced  to  leave  the  uleigliborhood.  One  school-house  was  burned  in  1869;  it  belonged 
to  the  i  oli  r.-d  peopleX  A  great  many,  both  white  and  colored,  \\»re  visited  by  the  Kn- 
Klnx.  and  severe  threats  made  against  fhem  if  they  voted  the  republican  ticket. 
Respectfully,  yours, 

.(DEL  ASHEWORTH. 

Governor  HOI.DKN. 


^•AVyatt  Prince,  colored,  being  rirst  sworn  to  tell  the,  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  noth- 
ing but  the  truth,  says  he  is  a  citizen  of  North  Carolina,  and  a  resident  of  the  county 
of  Chatham. 

In  the  month  of  July,  while  at  home  with  my  family,  and  all  in  bed  asleep,  .1  com- 
pany of  white  men,  masked,  approached  my  house,  and  without  giving  any  warning, 
burst  the  door  in,  and  one,  of  the  number  struck  a  match,  and  from  the  light  thereof 
«aw  where  I  was  lying,  and  exclaimed,  '•  There  he,  lies  ;  come  in,  boys,  come  in  ;"  and 


12  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 


immediately  the  house  was-  filled  with  these  men,  who  gathered  around*  him.  I 
attempted  escape,  when  one  of  the  number  exclaimed,  "God  damn  him;  -shoot  him, 
boys,  shoot  him  ;'\whereupon  they  commenced  shooting  with  pistols,  and  wounded 
me  in  the  right  arm,  left  side,  left  thigh,  and  below  my  left  knee.  During  this  time  I 
had  moved  from  my  first  position,  and  they  missing  me,  they  endeavored  again  to 
strike  a  match,  and  not  succeeding,  I  made  my  escape  through  a  window  and  fled  to 
the  woods.  For  several  weeks  I  was  bedridden  with  my  wounds.  I  am  now  a 
refugee  from  my  home,  and  cannot  return  for  fear  of  losing  my  life.  These  Ku-Klux 
frequently  visit  my  house  of  a  night,  and  have  declared  that  if  they  ever  catch  me 
they  intend  to  cut  me  open  and  fill  my  body  with  rocks  and  sink  it  in  the  river.  My 
family  are  still  in  Chatham.  I  cannot  go  to  them,  nor  can  they  come  to  me.  My  corn 
crop  still  stands  in  the  field  uugathered,  and  my  cotton  has  been  gathered  in  part  by 
one  of  my  enemies  and  appropriated  to  his  own  use.  I  believe  I  know  four  of  the  per- 
sons who  made  the  attack  upon  me.  Alvis  Nash,  colored,  who  brought  the  informa- 
tion of  the  outrage  upon  mo  to  Raleigh,  has  been  persecuted  for  the  part  of  friendship 
he  showed  to  me.  His  liberty  has  been  taken  from  him,  and  he  is  under  arrest  under 
false  charges.  I  am  not  sensible  of  having  done  any  one  a  wrong.  I  attended  to  my 
own  business,  and  only  have  given  offense  by  being,  as  I  believe,  a  true  republican. 

his 

WYATT  +  PRIXCK. 
mark. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  the  21st  day  of  December.  lw?0. 

W.  \\H1TAKER.  ./.  /'. 


Vicey  Baldiu,  colored,  being  first  sworn  to  tell  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and 
nothing  but  the  truth,  says  she  lives  in  the  county  of  Chatham,  State  of  North 
Carolina;  that  about  three  weeks  ago,  at  night,  a  mob  of  some  thirty  or  more  white 
men  came  to  her  house  and  arrested  her  husband,  charging  him  with  being  a  barn- 
burner, and  when  they  called  him  up  to  say  what  he  knew  of  the  barn  burning,  he 
said  he  knew  nothing  about  it,  whereupon  they  pointed  their  pistols  and  guns  at  him, 
and,  with  an  oath,  threatened  to  blow  his  brains  out.  My  husband,  with  some  eighteen 
or  twenty  others,  are  now  held  as  prisoners  in  a  house  iu  the  country,  guarded  by 
armed  men,  without  the  poor  privilege  of  a  trial,  and  contrary  to  the  laws  of  the 
State.  These  white  men,  in  order  to  torture  from  them  a  confession  of  guilt,  give 
them  drugged  whisky,  and  then  place  a  gun  to  their  breasts  and  tell  them  to  tell  all 
about  it  or  they  will  be  shot.  These  colored  men  are  told  that  they  shall  not  go 
to  Raleigh  for  trial,  nor  to  Pittsboro,  for  if  they  do  they  will  get  clear,  and  that  they 
shall  have  their  trial  iu  Chatham  County  of  a  night. 

her 

VICEY  +  BALDIN. 
mark. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  21st  December,  1870. 

W.  WHITAKER,  ./.  /'. 


Cilia  Norris,  colored,  being  sworn  to  tell  the  truth  and  the  whole  truth,  says  she  is 
aresident  of  Chatham  County  ;  was  at  the  home  of  Wyatt  Prince  on  the  night  of  the 
attack  upon  said  Prince  by  the  Ku-Klux ;  that  she  recognized,  and  is  certain  that  she 
is  well  acquainted  with,  some  of  the  said  Ku-Klux.  She  is  a  witness  against  them,  and 
they  have  notified  her  that  she  must  leave  the  county  and  never  return,  and  if  she  does, 
they  will  kill  her;  that  she  is  now  a  refugee  from  her  lawful  home,  and  cannot  return. 
She  cannot  state  positively  as  to  the  number  present  on  the  night  of  the  assault; 
the  house  was  full,  and  the  yard  around  the  front  of  the  house  was  full.  They  were 
all  masked,  but  in  the  general  confusion  in  the  house  the  masks  of  some  of  them  were" 
removed,  and  she  identified  them  as  well  as  recognized  their  voices. 

She  further  testifies  that  the  evidence  given  by  Wyatt  Prince  is  strictly  true ;  that 
his  wounds,  though  flesh  wounds,  were  severe,  and  that  he  has  now  the  scars  on  his 
body. 

CILLA  ?  NORRIS. 

mark. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me  this  21st  day  of  December,  1870. 

W.  WMITAKKK../.  /'. 

STATK  OK  NORTH  COKOLIXA,   Wake  County: 

I,  John  N.  Bunting,  clerk  of  the  superior  court  of  the  count, \  of  Wake,  certify  that. 
W.  Whitaker  was,  at  the  time  of  taking  the  foregoing  depositions,  a  justice  of  (lie. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  13 

,-;.ee  f..r  the  county  i>l'  Wake,  and  as  such  his  official  acts  are  entitled  to  due  weight 
IK(  consideration. 

In  witness  whereof  I  hereunto  sign  my  name.,  and  affix  the  official  seal  of  my  office, 
lis  the  21st  day  of  December,  1870, 

[r..  s.]  J.  N.  BUNTING, 

Court  of  Wnl'c  f'tnniti/. 


(hilni'/ex  iiDiinntii'il  Itij  iM'riioiiK  in  tiixyiiixc  in  the  county  of  Ahnnanw  nince  Hie  l»t  of  December 

1868. 

\Vyatt  Outlaw,  a  respectable  colored  man,  taken  from  his  house  in  the  town  of  (ha- 
hain,  (in  presence  of  his  aged  mother  and  three  helpless  little  children,)  at  12  o'clock 
in  the  night,  by  a  party  01  from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  persons  in  disguise,  and  by 
them  hung  by  the  neck  until  he  was  dead,  from  the  limb  of  an  elm  tree,  thirty  yards 
rom  the  court-house  door  in  said  town,  where  he  was  allowed  to  hang  until  11  o'clock 
the  next  day.  No  offense  was  alleged  against  him. 

Willia«i  Duryear,  a  half  simple  colored  man,  was  taken  from  his  family  in  the  night 
i>yr  eight  or  ten  persons  in  disguise,  and  drowned  in  Wilson's  mill-pond  ;  he  was  mur- 
dered because  he  saw  some  of  the  parties  who  hung  Outlaw  ou  their  way  home,  and  it 
was  feared  that  this  would  lead  to  their  detection. 

An  infant  child  of  Joseph  Harvey  (colored)  was  knocked  from  the  arms  of  its  mother 
by  a  party  of  disguised  persons  who  went  to  Harvey's  house  for  the  purpose  of  whip- 
ping him ;  the  child  died  shortly  afterward  from  the  effects  of  the  fall. 

A  party  of  fifteen  or  twenty  disguised  persons  surrounded  the  house  of  Caswell  Holt, 
(colored,)  broke  down  the  door  and  fired  into  the  house,  one  of  the  bullets  taking  effect 
in  the  lung  and  shoulder  of  Holt,  from  which  he  was  confined  for  a  long  time,  and  his 
life  was,  for  a  while,  despaired  of. 

A  party  of  eighteen  visited  the  house  of  Squire  Alston  (colored)  in  the  night  for  the 
purpose  of  Avhipping  him ;  they  broke  down  the  door,  but  were  met  by  a  blow  from 
an  ax  in  the  hands  of  Alston's  wife,  taking  effect  on  the  face  of  one  of  the  assailants, 
which  was  returned  by  a  shot,  inflicting  a  severe  wound  in  the  arm  of  the  woman. 

A  band  of  disguised  men.  several  in  number,  rode  up  to  the  house  of  William  Horni- 
day,  one  of  the/most  respectable  men  in  the  county,  and  fired  a  shot  through  the 
house,  which  came  near  killing  Mrs.  Horniday. 

Alonzo  B.  Corliss,  a  northern  man,  who  wras  teaching  a  colored  school  at  Company 
whops,  was  dragged  from  his  bed  by  twelve  or  fifteen  disguised  men,  amid  the  shrieks 
and  cries  of  his  distressed  wife,  carried  a  little  distance  into  the  woods  and  severely 
whipped,  the  hair  and  whiskers  shaven  from  one  side^df  his  head  and  face,  his  head 
and  face  cut  and  disfigured  in  a  most  cruel  maunervafter  which  he  was  painted  black 
and  left  in  this  condition.  Mr.  Corliss  had  been  for  some  time  a  cripple  and  could  not 
walk  without  crutches. 

Caswell  Holt,  (colored,)  taken  from  his  house  in  the  night,  was  whipped  until  the 
T)lood  was  streaming  from  his  back ;  he  was  then  made  to  bend  down,  wjiile  one  of  the 
parties  tortured  him  by  rubbing  a  rough  stick  up  and  down  his  back."-^ 

Joseph  Harvey,  (colored,)  taken  by  fifteen  or  twenty  in  disguise,  carried  about  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  his  house,  dragged  over  fences,  rocks,  through  briars,  and  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  lashes  laid  upon  his  bare  back. 

John  Ringstaff,  a  Avhite  boy  about  twenty  years  old,  taken  from  his  bed  in  presence 
of  his  mother  and  two  sisters,  and  dragged  to  the  woods  and  whipped. 

Leonard  Kippy.  a  respectable  white  man,  taken  in  the  night  by  a  party  of  twelve 
«',-  iii'tecn  men  in  disguise,  and  badly  whipped. 

Linncus  White,  severely  whipped  by  eight  or  ten  in  disguise. 

William  Shotfner,  a  white  boy,  seventeen  years  old,  whipped. 

Nathan  Tronnger,  (colored,)  taken  from  his  house  by  men  in  disguise,  severely  ^J 
whipped,  and  afterwards  made  to  mutilate  his  own  private  parts  with  his  pocket-knife. 

Sandy  Sellars,  (colored,)  house  surrounded,  door  broken  down,  and  himself  taken, 
from  bed  by  disguised  men  and  whipped,  and  his  back  flayed  with  a  stick. 

Jacob  lirannock.  (colored.)  taken  from  his  bed  on  two  occasions  and  badly  whipped. 

William  Simpson,  a  respectable  white  man,  taken  from  his  own  house  in  the  night, 
from  the  presence  of  his  wife  and  little  children,  and  tied  to  a  tree,  stripped,  and  a  most 
unmerciful  scourging  administered  by  men  in  disguise.  Simpson  has  since  been  forced 
r.o  leave  the  county,  with  his  family,  for  protection. 

Samuel  Can-Hon.  (colored.)  badly  whipped. 

Anthony  Foster,  (white.)  aged  about  eighty  years,  taken  from  his  bed,  whipped  and 
kicked  until  life  was  nearly  extin'ct.v/ 

William  Long,  (colored,)  dragged  fr.mi  his  bed  and  whipped. 

Hamilton  Brem.  (colored.)  dragged  from  his  bed  and  whipped. 


14  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

,  A  party  visited  the  house  of  Levi  Dicky,  (colored,)  for  the  purpose  of  whipping  him, 
.  failing 


and  failing  to  find  him,  choked  his  wife  in  a  most  inhuman  manner. 

Alfred  White,  (colored,)  taken  from  his  house  and  whipped. 

John  Gerringer,  (white,)  taken  from  his  house  and  whipped. 

John  Morrow,  a  colored  school  teacher,  taken  in  the  night  and  severely  scourged. 

A  Mrs.  Foy  and  her  daughter,  (white,)  thrown  out  of  her  house,  and  both  of  their; 
badly  beaten  and  maltreated. 

Sally  Hall  and  her  two  daughters  thrown  out  of  their  house  and  whipped,  and  one 
of  them  made  to  exhibit  her  person,  while  the  fiends  proceeded  to  inflict  blows  upon 
her  private  parts. 

John  Bason,  (white,)  taken  from  the  piazza  of  the  store  at  Hair  River  cotton  factory, 
while  on  guard  as  watchman,  and  badly  whipped ;  he  was  informed  the  reason — that 
he  had  failed  to  go  to  the  election. 

Siddell,  (white,)  superintendent  of  Carolina  cotton  mills,  taken  from  his  bed 

and  badly  whipped. 

James  Long,  (colored,)  whipped,  and  forced  to  flee  the  country. 

Charles  Brannock,  (colored,)  whipped  severely. 

Hardy  Mulkins,  (colored,)  whipped  severely. 

\  George  Rippy,  (colored,)  whipped,  and  forced  to  leave  the  country. 
JJohn  Bass,  (colored,)  "  potterized."    He  has  recovered,  and  is  now  living,  and  car- 
testify  to  the  fact. 

About  seventy-five  disguised  persons  rode  through  the  principal  streets  of  Graham 
in  the  night,  halted,  and  formed  in  front  of  the  dwelling  of  N.  A.  Badham,  esq.,  fright- 
etitd  his  family,  and  threatened  and  insulted  him.  The  same  party  shot  at  persons  on 
the  streets,  and  fired  through  the  dwelling-houses  of  Harry  Cain,  colored,  and  Eli  Out- 
law, colored,. 

The  same  party  which  hung  Outlaw  went  to  the  house  of  Henry  Hall,  colored,  for 
the  purpose  of  hanging  him,  but  not  finding  him  at  home,  left  word  with  his  wife  that 
they  would  be  back  at  a  certain  time,  and  if  Henry  was  found  they.wonld  hang  him. 
This  same  party  rode  by  the  residence  of  William  R.  Albright,  esq.,  disturbed  his  fam- 
ily, and  threatened  him. 

A  large  and  costly  building  at  Company  Shops,  belonging  to  Daniel  Worth,  and  used 
as  a  school-house,  was  burned  to  ashes. 

A  letter  was  thrown  into  the  piazza  of  H.  A.  Badham,  esq.,  notifying  him  and  P.  R. 
Harden,  esq.,  that,  unless  they  ceased  to  prosecute  Ku-Klnx  they  would  be  visited  with 
punishment.  Badham  is  a  lawyer,  and  Harden  a. justice  of  the  peace. 

Senator  F.  M.  Shoftner  was  forced  to  flee  the  country  for  sanity,  because  he  intro- 
duced into  the  legislature  what  is  known  as  the  Shoffhur  military  bill.  A  party  \\as 
actually  on  the  way  to  murder  him,  but  were  stopped  by  Dr.  Moore. 

A  coffin  was  made;  and  placed  at  the  door  of  Joseph  JIcAdams,  a  highly  respectable 
citizen,  in  order  to  frighten  him  from  the  county,  because  he  was  obnoxious  to  some  of 
the  Ku-Klux. 

In  all  of  these  cases  of  whipping  the  programme  was  about  the  same  :  From  eight  to 
twenty  persons  in  disguise  would  go  to  the  housw  of  the  intended  victim  in  the  night, 
and  before  any  one  was  aware  of  their  presence  they  would  break  into  the  house,  drpg 
out  the  party  to  be  punished.  In  the  meantime  they  would  gag,  and  by  other  means 
stop  any  alarm  by  the  other  inmates. 

The  raids  were  generally  made  from  eleven  to  three  o'clock.  Only  one  person  was 
allowed  to  speak  on  a  raid,  and  this  was  either  a  stranger  in  the  neighborhood  or  one 
who  could  very  effectually  change  his  voice.  Pickets  were  always  posted,  and  the, 
greatest  precaution  taken  to  prevent  detection. 

RALEIGH,  JJccemler  22,  1870. 

The  within  statement  of  outrages  in  Alamance  County  was  furnished  by  leading  citi- 
zens of  that  county,  who,  for  prudential  reasons,  do  not  wish  their  names  used. 

J.  B.  NEATHEKY,  Prirulf  Scrretary. 

Official  copies : 

E.  D.  TOWNSENl),  Adjutant,  (lateral. 


HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OK  THK  EAST, 

New  York  City,  January  9,  1871. 

GKNKKAJ.,:  In  compliance  with  the  instructions  of  the  20th  ultimo,  iureferenceto  the 
Senate  resolution  calling  for  information  relative  to  the  organization  of  disloyal  per- 
sons in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  I  transmit  herewith  reports  of  the  oflicers  who  liavo 
been  in  command  in  that  State  since  its  transfer  to  the  department  which  I  command, 
together  with  copies  of  letters  received  from  the  governor  and  adjutant  general  of  the 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  15 

Slat*1,  bearing  on  the  subject,  ami  of  the  instructions  given  by  me  from  time  to  time  to 
the  officers  in  command. 

Very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

IRVIN  MCDOWELL, 

Brevet  Major  General  Commanding  Department. 
ADJUTANT  GKNKKAL  UNITKD  STATUS  ARMY, 

Washington,  D.  C. 


[Indorsement.] 

HKAIKJUARTEKS  MILITARY  DIVISION  OK  THE  ATLANTIC, 

Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  January  12, 1871. 
Respectfully  forwarded  to  the,  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army. 

GKO.  G.  MEADE, 
Major  General  Commanding. 


[Telegram.] 

KALEIGH,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  Jvnc  22,  1870. 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  MCKEKVEK, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  New  York  City : 

The  United  States  marshal  calls  upon  me  for  military  aid  in  making  the  arrest  of 
parties  charged  with  violently  resisting  the  collection  of  the  United  States  revenne. 
This  is  also  requested  by  the  United  States  district  judge.  It  is  important  that  action 
be  taken  to-day.  Please  instruct  me. 

R.  T.  FRANK, 
Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Commandintj. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

lialfigh,  North  Carolina,  June  23,  1870. 

GENERAL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  circumstances  under 
which  military  aid  was  rendered  necessary  for  the  enforcement  of  the  United  States 
laws,  by  the  United  States  marshal,  in  the  case  reported  by  yon  yesterday  by  tele- 
graph. 

A  bench  warrant  was  issued  by  the  district  judge  of  the  United  States  for  the  dis- 
trict of  North  Carolina,  against  the  proprietor  or  manager  of  a  circus  and  his  company, 
upon  the  affidavit  of  the  collector  of  internal  revenue  for  the  sixth  district,  in  which  it 
was  allowed  that  a  conspiracy  was  made  by  said  company,  to  prevent  the  deputy  col- 
lector from  the  collection  of  the  United  Slates  revenue  tax. 

That  the  circus  company,  or  a  number  of  them,  attacked  the  deputy  collector  with 
drawn  pistols,  beat  and  maltreated  him,  and  took  by  force  of  arms  the  taxes  which 
had  been  collected.  That  an  effort  was  ma.de  by  the  civil  authorities  to  arrest  the 
members  of  said  company,  but  failed  on  account  of  their  number  and  desperate  char- 
acter. This  company  being  on  the  move,  the  marshal  represented  that  it  was  impossi- 
ble to  get  a  sufficient  party  at  any  place  to  apprehend  them,  and  that  they  were 
shortly  going  to  leave  the  State  for  Virginia,  "where  they  have  advertised  to  show  in  ;; 
day  or  two.  Under  these  circumstances  it  appeared  to  me  advisable  to  order  a  military 
force  to  accompany  the  marshal  to  Ruerville,  North  Carolina,  where  they  were  adver- 
tised to  exhibit  their  show  to-day,  and  to  render  him  such  assistance  as  might  be  found 
necessary  in  making  these  arrests.  A  guard  of  one  commissioned  officer  and  eleven 
men  was  sent,  and  the  officer  in  command  was  instructed  not  to  interpose  his  force 
actively,  unless  circumstances  should  render  it  necessary,  in  which  case  he  would  take 
the  most  effective  measures  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  purpose,  bearing  in  mind 
the  official  responsibility  to  which  he  is  held. 

In  my  opinion  the  mere  presence  of  the  troops  will  prevent  the  necessity  for  their 
use,  though  the  company  have  the  reputation  of  being  a  party  of  desperadoes. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.   FRANK, 
Captain  Eighth  Infantry,  Brcrct  Lieutenant  Colonel. 

Brevet  Brigadier  General  ('IIATNCKY  McKKEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East,  Nac  York  City. 


10  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

("Telegram.] 

RALEIGH,  NORTH  CAKOMNA,  July  6,  1870. 
Brevet  Brigadier  Gnu-mi  ('.  McKEEVKi!, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  l-la*l  : 

The  United  States  marshal  asks  for  a  military  force  to  aid  in  the  arrest  of  twelve 
men  for  whom  a  Avarrant  has  been  issued  by  the  United  States  commissioner.  The 
meii  are  charged  with  violation  of  section  six  of  the  act  approved  May  thirty-first, 
eighteen  hundred  and  seventy.  The  marshal  thinks  it  impracticable  to  summon  an 
adequate  civil  posse,  and  expresses  the  belief  that  if  he  were  to,  it  would  result  in  » 
conflict  and  loss  of  life. 

R.  T.  FRANK, 
Captain  Kighth  Infantry  Commanding. 


[Telegram.] 

RALEIGH,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  July  15,  1870. 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  MCKEEVKK, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East: 

The  United  States  marshal  applies  for  a  military  force  to  aid  in  the  arrest  of  ten 
men  charged  with  violating  section  6,  act  approved  May  31,  1870,  which  he  has  war- 
rant from  the  United  States  commissioner. 

R.  T.  FRANK, 
hniti'nunt  Colonel  Commanding. 


.HI:.U>QUAI:TKI:S  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

Jlaldgli.  .\«rth  Carolina,  July  19,  1870. 

GENKKAL:  Referring  to  my  telegram  of  the  15th  instaj.it.  I  would  respectfully  state 
that  the  circumstances  in  this  were  similar  to  those  in  the  previous  case ;  for  that  rea- 
son, the  particulars  were  not  given  in  my  telegram,  but  will  be  in  future. 

The  case  was  one  where  a  band  of  thirty  or  forty  men  visited  the  house  of  a  white 
man  who  was  known  to  be  in  his  political  sentiments  a  republican.  They  took  him 
from  home,  and  after  visiting  the  house  of  two  other  men,  understood  to  be  of  the 
same  political  sentiments  as  the  first,  whom,  however,  they  did  not  find  at  home,  they 
tied  him  to  a  tree  and  beat  him  with  sticks  most  iinhumanly,  as  it  is  alleged,  and  tell- 
ing him  if  he  did  not  leave  within  ten  days  they  would  kill  him,  they  left  him  unable 
to  walk  and  in  a  precarious  condition.  The  others  whom  they  hail  threatened  Hod  to 
this  place,  and  dare  not  return.  Ten  of  this  band  were  rec-ogni/ed  by  the  party  whom 
they  assaulted,  and  warrants  for  their  arrest  issued  by  the  commissioner. 

The  marshal  at  once  applied  for  a  military  force,  as  he  had  done  in  the  previous  case, 
without  making  any  effort  on  his  own  part  to  make  the  arrests.  I  explained  to  him 
that  an  effort  to  execute  the  laws  by  the  civil  authorities  should  be  made,  as  otherwise 
the  necessity  for  a  military  force  was  not  apparent.  He  said  it  was  difficult,  it' not 
impossible,  to  get  a  posse  Large  enough  to  arrest  so  many  under  less  difficult  circum- 
stances ;  that  in  these  cases  they  were  banded  together,  .and  would  oppose  the  arrest  of 
any  of  the  number  by  the  civil  authorities  ;  that  threats  of  resistance  had  been  made,  and 
many  of  the  men  were  desperate  and  lawless  characters.  It  was  impossible  for  me  to 
say,  with  the  knowledge  I  then  had,  whether  these  apprehensions  were  well  founded  or 
not,  but  I  felt  assured  that  the  presence  of  a  military  force  would  prevent  a  breach  of 
the  peace;  besides,  the  marshal  suggested  that  were  the.  attempt  to  be  made .by  him  and 
fail,  the  parties  could  not  be  found  afterward  when  sought  for  with  a  military  force. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I  thought  the  presence  of  troops  would  prevent  the  ne- 
cessity for  llieir.nsc,  and  therefore  telegraphed,  although  it  did  not  appear  to  me  im- 
peratively necessary,  nor  that  the  civil  authorities  had  exhausted  all  other  measures. 

Most  of  the  cases  arising  under  the  6th  section  of  act  approved  May  :51,  1V?0,  are. 
Ku-Klux  outrages,  and  are  similar  in  character  and  surrounding  circumstances  to  the 
one  here  warranted.  I  have  given  it  therefore  in  detail,  as  well  as  the.  obstacles,  so  far 
as  they  now  appear,  to  the  enforcement  of  the  laws  by  the  civil  authorities  in  such  cases. 

The  marshal  was  informed  to-day  that  in  this,  its  in  every  future  application  for 
troops  to  aid  in  the  enforcement  of  the  civil  laws,  the  necessity  must  be  presented,  as 
indicated  in  your  dispatch. 

There  is  now  a  force  of  militia  operating  in  several  parts  of  the  State,  and  have 
made  the  arrest  <>f  many  leading  men  charged  with  the  Ku-Klux  outrages. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    UISLOYAL    PERSONS.  17 

Whatever  other  eti'jct  this  force  may  have,  it  is  my  opinion  it  will  put  an  end  to 
tenefl  "f  that  character. 

Verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  Infantry,  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Commanding, 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  McKEKVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East.  Xew  York  City. 
\  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

Raleigh,  North  Carolina,   July  21.  1870. 

GENERAL:  I  deem  it  proper  to  state,  for  the  information  of  the  department  commander, 
that  the  aspect  of  affairs  in  this  State  is  just  now  rather  threatening.  A  large  number 
of  prominent  men  have  been  arrested  by  the  militia  and  are  now  held  in  military  cus- 
tody. Writs  of  habeas  corpus  have  been  issued  in  these  cases  which  the  officers  in  com-- 
inand  have  refused  to  comply  with,  by  order  of  the  governor.  The  cases  have  been 
argued  for  the  last  few  days  before  the  supreme  court  of  the  State  at  this  place.  The- 
arguments  were  concluded  to-day,  and  the  court  will  render  its  decision  to-morrow  or 
next  day.  Should  the  decision  be  favorable  to  the  action  taken  by  the  governor,, 
(though  it  is  thought  by  many  that  it  will  lead  to  a  conflict,)  it  is  not  likely  to  be  of 
so  serious  a  character  or  of  very  great  extent,  if,  indeed,  it  leads  to  a  conflict  at  all.  If, 
however,  the  decision  should  be  adverse  to  the  course  pursued  by  the  governor,  it  will, 
not,  in  my  opinion,  change  his  purpose  or  lead  him  to  modify  his  action  in  the  prem- 
ises. In  the  effort,  therefore,  to  release  them,  which  would  in  all  probability  be  made, 
judging  from  the  tone  of  the  people,  a  serious  conflict  is  likely  to  be  the  result. 

These  are  my  own  impressions,  based  upon  observation  and"  information  gained  from 
reliable  sources,  and  I  thought  it  proper  to  communicate  them  to  the  department 
commander. 

It  is  possible  that  whatever  the  decision  may  be,  matters  will  settle  down  without 
serious  results,  but  there  is  certainly  good  reasons  for  grave  apprehensions. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  Infantry  Commanding. 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East,  Sew  York  City. 

A  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER> 
Assistant  Adjutant  General.. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH,. 

Raleigh,  N.  C.,  July  22,  1870. 

GENERAL:  As  I  yesterday  communicated  iny  opinion  of  affairs  in  this  State,  I  would 
again  state  that  since  then  matters  remain  unchanged.  The  court  will  deliver  its 
opinion  to-morrow;  and  it  appears  to  be  pretty  generally  conceded  that  in  its  main 

Iioints  it  will  sustain  the  action  of  the  governor.  As  I  stated  in  iny  letter  yesterday, 
do  not  therefore  think  any  serious  consequences  will  immediately  follow.  The  gov- 
ernor, however,  believes  that  in  the  progress  of  events  an  effort  will  be  made  to  get 
possession  of  the  prisoners  now  in  custody,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  arrested,  and  in 
that  event  he  thinks  an  attempt  would  first  be  made  to  get  possession  of  the  State 
armory. 

Though  not  fully  concurring  in  these  apprehensions,  I  would  suggest,  if  it  be  intended 
to  use  the  United  States  troops  in  aid  of  the  State  authorities  in  such  a  contingency, 
that  a  detachment  from  the  company  at  Fort  Johnson  be  sent  to  this  post  to  serve  the 
two  light  12-ponnders  which  I  have.  If  the  department  commander  thinks  favorable 
of  this  suggestion,  I  inclose  herewith  a  requisition  for  the  necessary  ammunition,  for 
his  approval. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  Infantry,  Commanding. 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Department  of  the  East,  yew  York  City. 
A  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

S.  Ex.  16,  pt.  2 2 


18  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL   PERSONS. 

[Telegram.] 

Brevet  Brigadier  General  C,  McKEEVER,  Assistant  Adjutant  General: 

RALEIGH,  N.  C.,  July  25,  1870. 

From  information  received  by  the  governor,  preparations  are  being  made  to  attack 
Colonel  Kirk's  command  and  release  the  prisoners  at  Yanceyville.  What  orders  have 
vou'for  United  States  troops? 

R.  T.  FRANK, 
Captain  Eighth  Infantry. 
A  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

SaMgh,  N.  C.,  July  26,  1870. 

GENERAL  :  Referring  to  my  telegram  of  yesterday,  relative  to  the  threatened  attack 
upon  Colonel  Kirk's  command,  I  would  respectfully  state  that  I  have  from  time  to  time 
expressed  my  opinion  upon  the  aspect  of  affairs  in  this  State  by  mail,  in  order  that  the 
commanding  general  might  properly  appreciate  anjT  matter  communicated  to  him  by 
telegraph,  as  it  is  often  very  difficult  for  me  to  form  a  correct  judgment  upon  matters 
transpiring  at  remote  points,  when  the  information  received  is  from  persons  not  well 
known  to  me,  and  of  whose  credibility  I  am  not  well  informed.  I  have  been  fearful  of 
misleading  the  commanding  general  by  expressing  my  own  opinion,  especially  when 
that  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  opinion  of  the  governor  and  other  persons  in  high 
positions,  who  ought  to  be  better  informed  and  able  to  appreciate  the  merits  of  the 
case. 

The  information  relative  to  Kirk's  situation  was  a  report  from  Kirk  himself  and  the 
personal  representations  of  his  lieutenant  colonel,  who  was  an  eye-witness  to  the 
preparations  going  on.  He,  as  well  as  Kirk,  regarded  a  conflict  imminent  —  in  fact,  the 
lieutenant  colonel  had  no  doubt  but  that  one  had  taken  place  on  Sunday  or  Monday. 
The  governor  did  not  doubt  but  that  such  was  the  case,  and  said  that  he  had  informa- 
tion from  other  sources  going  to  show  that  preparations  were  being  made  for  such  an 
event.  In  the  face  of  so  much  intelligence,  I  could  not  doubt  but  that  Kirk  was  in 
danger,  though  from  my  knowledge  of  the  people  of  North  Carolina  they  have  had 
fighting  enough,  and  although  there  are  many  bad  men  among  them,  who  do  not  hesi- 
tate to  perpetrate  the  most  horrid  crimes  under  the  cover  of  midnight  and  the  secresy 
which  surrounds  the  Ku-Klux  Klan. 

I  have  uo  idea  that  a  force  of  any  considerable  strength  could  be  organized  to 
engage  in  a  conflict  with  United  States  forces,  or  even  the  State  militia. 
*  The  feeling  generally  prevails  that  they  were  once  led  into  a  war  by  designing  men, 


but  that  they  will  not  be  again  under  any  circumstances.    I  do  not,  therefore,  believe 
likely  to  occur,  unless  it  cornea  from  a  few  young  and  igno- 
rant men,  who,  under  the  name  of  Ku-Klux  Klan,  have  committed  such  diabolical 


any  organized  resistance 


outrages. 

The  condition  of  civil  affairs  in  many  counties  is  certainly  very  bad.  I  inclose  here- 
with the  reply  of  the  governor  to  the  chief  justice  of  North  Carolina,  and  so  far  as  it 
relates  to  the  insufficiency  of  the  civil  law  to  protect  life  and  property,  my  own  obser- 
vation confirms  it. 

I  was  in  error  as  to  the  number  of  prisoners  held  by  Kirk.  I  believe  he  has  fifty  or 
upward.  It  is  the  intention  of  the  governor  to  organize  a  military  court  or  commis- 
sion at  an  early  day  for  their  trial.  This  will  take  place  at  Yanceyville,  where  the 
prisoners  are  now  held  in  military  custody  by  Kirk.  Kirk  has  about  two  hundred  and 
'fifty  men,  I  think. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  Infantry,  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
Brevet  Brigadier  General  C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East,  2few  York. 

A  true  copy  : 

C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  or  RALEIGH, 

Ealeigh,  N.  C.,  October  2,  1870. 

MAJOR  :  Pursuant  to  telegraphic  instructions  of  the  1st  instant  from  department 
headquarters,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  succinct  report  of  what  trans- 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  19 

pired,  and  my  action  in  relation  thereto,  in  connection  with  civil  affairs  at  Raleigh 
North  Carolina,  and  its  vicinity,  previous  to  Colonel  Hunt's  assuming  command  of  the 
district. 

May  13.  Company  G  Eighth  Infantry,  was  ordered  to  take  post  temporarily  at  Graham. 
Alamanee  County,  in  consequence  of  the  disturbed  condition  of  affairs  in'that  seetion 
and  the  numerous  outrages  upon  life,  persons,  and  property,  the  county  having  been 
declared  in  a  state  ot  insurrection  in  March  previous. 

Jnnn  7,  Lieutenant  C.  F.  Lashe,  Eighth  Infantry,  was  ordered,  in  conformity  \\itli 
instructions  department  headquarters,  to  Madison  County,  to  make  investigation  and 
report  upon  certain  pension  claims. 

June  23,  Lieutenant  P.  H.  Ray,  Eighth  Infantry,  with  a  guard  of  ten  enlisted  men, 
was,  upon  the  application  of  the  United  States  marshal,  and  by  authority  of  the  depart- 
ment commander,  ordered  to  Kockiugliam  County,  to  aid  the  United  Slates  marshal  in 
making  the  arrest  of  a  party  of  showmen  for  whom  bench  warrants  had  been  issued  bv 
the  United  States  district  judge.  They  were  charged  with  having  conspired  to  prevent 
the  United  States  deputy  collector  from  collecting  the  revenue  tax  :  with  having 
attacked  him  with  drawn  pistols,  beaten  and  maltreated  him,  and  by  force  of  arms 
taken  from  him  the  revenue  tax  already  collected.  Efforts  had  been  made  by  the  civil 
authorities  to  make  these  arrests,  but  without  success,  in  consequence  of  their  large 
number  and  desperate  character.  Lieutenant  Ray  failed  to  accomplish  their  arrest, 
they  having  made  their  escape  into  the  State  of  Virginia  before  his  arrival. 

July  5,  Battery  L  Fourth  Artillery,  (Captain  King.)  was  ordered  to  Roxboro,  Person 
County. 

July  7,  Battery  D  Fourth  Artillery,  (Captain  Rodney,)  was  ordered  to  Yanceyville, 
Caswell  County.  Sometime  during  the  month  of  July  (the  precise  date  is  not  now 
before  me)  the  county  of  Caswell  was  declared  in  a  state  of  insurrection. 

.1  uly  -,  Lieutenant  Powell,  with  a  guard  of  ten  men,  was  ordered  to  proceed  with  the 
United  States  marshal  to  the  county  of  Chatham,  or  to  such  other  places  as  might  be 
found  necessary,  to  aid  the  latter  in  making  the  arrest  of  a  party  of  twelve  men,  charged 
with  a  violation  of  an  act  of  Congress  approved  May  31,  1870.  The  particular  act 
charged  against  them  was  that  they  banded  together  and  went  upon  the  highways  and 
elsewhere  in  disguise  for  the  purpose  of  intimidating  voters,  and  in  the  execution  of 
this  purpose,  did  assault  and  lire  npou  the  person  of  a  freedmau,  wounding  him  with 
live  bullets,  leaving  his  life  in  a  precarious  condition. 

Nine  of  the  alleged  criminals,  or  Ku-Kltix.  were  arrested,  brought  to  Raleigh,  and, 
after  an  examination  before  the  United  States  commissioner,  four  of  them  were  either 
bound  over  or  committed  to  answer  for  their  crime  at  the  next  term  of  court. 

Other  applications  were  made  by  the  United  States  marshal  for  military  aid  in  mak- 
ing anots  in  cases  similar  to  the  above,  but  he  not  being  able  to  present  the  evidence 
of  his  inability  to  execute  his  processes  in  his  hands  by  the  ordinary  means,  it  was  not 
furnished  him.  I  would  here  add  that  the  obstacle  or  opposition  with  which  he  had 
to  contend,  being  of  the  nature  of  a  secret  band  of  assassins,  commonly  known  as  the 
Ku-Klux  Klau,  whose  purpose  was  to  prevent  the  enforcement  of  the -law  in  all  these 
cases,  it  was  not  always  practicable  for  him  to  present  evidence  of  the  difficulties  with 
which  he  had  to  contend  in  any  particular  case. 

Of  the  existence  and  purpose  of  this  organization  there  cannot  be  a  reasonable  doubt, 
nor  can  it  be  doubted  that  this  organization  had  the  countenance  if  not  the  active  sup- 
port and  cooperation  of  many  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the  State. 

Its  operations  were  mainly  directed  against  the  local  authorities  and  State  govern- 
ment, and  were  clandestine  in  their  character.  Therefore,  there  has  never  been,  in  my 
opinion,  much  ground  for  apprehending  an  open  opposition  to  Federal  authority, 
especially  to  the  United  States  forces.  The  act  of  Congress  upon  the  snbject,  by  which 
they  may  he  arrested  by  Federal  authorities,  and  tried  by  Federal •  tribunals,  *is  new, 
and  was  entirely  unknown  to  them  until  they  felt  its  effects  in  the  instance  above* 
mentioned. 

During  the  month  of  July  a  considerable  force  of  State  militia  was  organized  by  the 
governor,  and  sent  to  take  military  possession  of  the  counties  of  Alamance  and  Cas- 
well, both  in  insurrection.  A  large  number  of  arrests  were  made,  among  them  many 
prominent  citizens.  Whatever  else  may  have  been  its  effects,  this  for  the  time  effect- 
ually put  a  stop  to  Ku-Klux  outrages.  Consternation,  fear,  and  alarm  everywhere  pre- 
vailed among  them,  and  many  fled  the  State. 

Frequent  inquiries  were  made  of  me,  and  of  the  officers  of  my  command  stationed 
elsewhere,  as  to  the  probable  action  of  the  United  States  troops, *and  of  the  purpose  of 
sending  them  here.  I  refrained  as  much  as  possible  from  any  discussion  of  the  subject, 
upon  which  the  pnblie  mind  was  so  much  excited,  and  enjoined  the  same  upon  others 
of  my  command.  In  answer  to  the  inquiries,  they  were  informed  that  the  probable 
purpose  was  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  State  authorities  in  suppressing  disorders 
and  maintaining  law  in  the  event  of  their  services  being  required.  Such  was  my  un- 
derstanding of  my  duties. 

The  services  of "  the  United  States  troops,  except  in  the  instance*  above  mentioned, 


20  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

were  at  no  time  called  for  or  needed,  though  I  believe  their  presence  did  much  to  allay 
excitement  and  inspire  confidence  and  a  sense  of  security.  Some  apprehension  was  felt 
at  one  time  by  the  commander  of  the  State  troops  at  Yanceyville  that  an  attack  would 
be  made  upon  him,  but  his  apprehensions  proved  groundless.  The  governor  also  ex- 
pressed some  fear  that  an  outbreak  might  occur  at  Raleigh,  in  which  case  he  feared 
that  possession  would  be  taken  of  the  State  armory.  This  caused  me  to  ask  the  depart- 
ment commander  to  order  a  detachment  of  artillery  here,  large  enough  to  serve  two 
guns  which  I  have  at  this  post,  in  the  event  of  it  becoming  necessary  to  use  them, 
which,  however,  I  did  not  much  anticipate.  Shortly  after  this  six  more  companies  of 
artillery  were  ordered  to  the  post. 

July  26th,  Battery  H  Fourth  Artillery,  Captain  Smith,  was,  upon  the  request  of  the 
governor,  ordered  to  Ruffin,  Rockingham  County. 

August  2d,  Colonel  Hunt  assumed  command  of  the  District  of  North  Carolina. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eiijhth  Infantry,  Commanding  Post. 
Major  C.  ?4cKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Department  of  the  East,  Neiv  York  City. 

A  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  TORT  MACON,  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

December  28,  1870. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the, 
Senate,  requesting  from  the  President  information  relative  to  organized  bodies  of  dis- 
loyal and  evil  disposed  persons  in  this  State,  with  instructions  to  make  a  full  report  on 
the  matter  referred  to. 

Since  I  have,  been  in  command  of  this  post  this  portion  of  the  State  has  been  very 
quiet  and  undisturbed,  nor  can  L  learn  that  there  are  any  organizations  of  the  kind 
referred  to  in  this  vicinity.  I  have  heard  of  disorders  in  the  interior  of  the  State, 
through  the  public  press  and  through  officers  stationed  in  the  vicinity  of  such  disor- 
ders. As  these  officers  have  no  doubt  been  called  on  for  reports  the  desired  information 
will  doubtless  be  obtained  from  them,  rendering  any  report  from  me,  which  would 
necessarily  be  second-hand,  being  based  chiefly  upon  information  derived  from  them  in 
casual  and  desultory  conversations,  unnecessary. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  verv  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

.1.  STEWART, 

Major  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding. 
Major  C.  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Headquarters  Department  of  the  East. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  LUMBERTOX, 

Lumbeiion,  North  Carolina,  December  30,  1870. 

Sin  :  In  compliance  with  indorsement  dated  Headquarters  Department  of  the  East, 
New  York,  December  24,  1870,  on  resolution  of  the  United  States  Senate  of  the  16th  of 
December,  1870,  requesting  his  Exceellency  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  com- 
municate all  information  he  may  possess  as  to  disturbances  in  the  State  of  North  Car- 
olina, I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  in  regard  to  the  state  of  aifairs  in 
Robeson  County : 

The  cause  of  the  trouble  in  this  county  is  in  no  way  political.  A  band  of  outlaws, 
six  in  number,  have  been  for  the  period  of  four  years  liiding  in  the  numerous  swamps 
that  traverse  this  county  in  every  direction,  and  robbing  and  murdering  the  citizens. 
They  have  committed  since  the  spring  of  1868  four  murders  in  this  county,  and  about 
as  many  more  in  the  adjacent  counties.  These  murders  were  committed  partly  to 
obtain  plundty  and  partly. because  the  men  murdered  tried  to  have  these  outlaws 
caught  and  brought  to  justice.  Robbery  has  been  frequent  here  for  years  back,  but 
not  until  after  the  close  of  the  rebellion  was  any  band  formed  for  that  purpose.  Every 
one  of  this  band  have  indictments  against  them  for  murder.  The  civil  authority  is 
powerless  to  do  anything  toward  their  capture.  They  are  mulattoes,  and  have  almost 
as  many  friends  as  enemies.  They  have  friends  partly  from  fear  of  them,  and  friends 
who  are  suspected  of  helping  them  in  their  acts.  The  part  of  this  county  they  mostly 
frequent  is  a  settlement  of  about  twenty-five  square  miles,  called  SculHeton,  which  is 
mostly  inhabited  by  mulattoes,  who  always  give  these  outlaws  information  of  any 
expedition  against  them,  and  resist  the  civil  law  themselves.  Taxes  cannot  be  col-  j 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  21 

lected  from  nor  warrants  served  on  any  of  rht-  inhabitants  of  this  settlement.  Sheriff's 
posses  have  been  resisted  successfully,  and  most  of  the  citizens  of  this  and  other  coun- 
ties are  afraid  to  travel  through  the  settlement  alone,  even  in  daylight.  The  citizens 
are  afraid  to  take  any  measures  to  capture  these  outlaws,  for  fear  of  being  murdered, 
us  several  of  their  number  have  been  before.  They  are  even  afraid  to  tell  they  have 
been  robbed.  These  outlaws  have  been  in  the  hands  of  the  civil  authorities,  and  some 
of  them  tried  and  sentenced,  but  have  made  their  escape  with  seeming  ease.  The 
leader,  about  two  years  ago,  gave  himself  up,  remained  in  the  jail  of  this  town  (Lam- 
bcrton)  about  one  week,  and  then  overpowered  the  keeper  when  he  brought  supper, 
and  walked  down  the  main  street  of  the  town  without  being  molested.  A  great  many 
of  the  citizens  have  left  the  county,  and  more  are  preparing  to  leave. 

I  most  respectfully  recommend  that  some  measures  be  taken  to  give  security  to  the 
lives  and  property  qf  the  citizens  of  this  county,  and,  in  my  opinion,  it  can  only  be 
done  by  the  military,  who  must  have  the  power  and  force  sufficient  to  hunt  and  kill 
these  men. 

In  regard  to  outrages  committed  in  other  parts  of  the  State,  I  know  very  little. 
While  at  Raleigh,  Wake  County,  I  was  a  subordinate  officer,  and  only  temporarily 
stationed  there,  and  was  not  ordered  to  Graham,  Alamance  County,  uiAil  quiet  had 
been  restored. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

EVAN  THOMAS, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding  Post. 

Major  CHAUNCEY  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City,  N.  Y. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  December  30,  1870. 

SIR  :  Referring  to  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  dated  December  16, 
1870,  calling  upon  the  President  to  communicate  to  that  body  "  all  information  that  he 
may  possess  relative  to  organized  bodies  of  evil-disposed  persons  in  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,"  &c.,  and  your  indorsement  of  the  24th  instant,  calling  upon  me  for  a  full 
report  on  the  same,  I  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  state  that,  except  through  the 
newspaper  press,  common  rumor,  and  published  official  documents  emanating  from 
the  civil  authorities,  nothing  pertinent  to  the  subject  of  inquiry  has  come  to  my 
knowledge. 

Soon  after  the  result  of  the  August  election  became  known,  there  arose  a  popular 
sentiment  in  favor  of  impeaching  the  governor  for  his  action  in  suspending  the  privi- 
lege of  the  writ  of  habers  corpus  in  certain  counties  declared  by  him  in  insurrection  ; 
calling  out  militia  and  causing  the  arrest  and  confinement  by  them  of  prominent  citi- 
zens "  without  due  process  of  law,"  and  alleged  misappropriation  of  public  funds  in 
The  payment  of  troops  illegally  constituted. 

The  proceedings  in  the  habeas  corpus  cases  on  the  petitions  of  certain  citizens  of 
Alamance  and  Caswell  counties,  so  arrested,  before  the  United  States  district  judge 
for  the  district  of  North  Carolina,  had  the  effect  of  rendering  impeachment  almost  a 
foregone  conclusion. 

The  governor,  appreciating  the  position  in  which  he  was  placed,  in  submitting  his 
third  annual  message  to  the  legislature  upon  its  assembling  in  November  last,  attached 
thereto  copies  of  all  documents  tending  to  explain  or  justify  his  course.  To  this  I 
would  respectfully  refer  the  department  commander  for  particulars  bearing  directly 
upon  the  subject  under  consideration. 

Hut  one  application  for  military  aid  has  been  made  by  the  civil  authorities  since  I 
succeeded  Captain  Frank  in  the  command  of  the  post*  of  Raleigh,  and  this,  it  was 
understood,  was  caused  by  the  depredations  of  a  band  of  outlaws  in  Robeson  Connty. 
whose  actions  had  no  political  significance  whatever. 

I  am  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

FRANK  G.  SMITH, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Command'tny. 

ASSISTANT  AI>.H:TAXT  GENERAL. 

-U-rx  JJepai'tnit-iil  <>/  tin-  Kant,  New  York  City. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  FOKT  JOHNSTON.  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

Deoenber  :',!.  i-7n. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  there   is   no  organized  body  of  disloyal  or  evil- 
disposed  men  in  this  immediate  section  of  the  State.     In  this  county  (Brunswick)  and 


22  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

New  Hanover,  (in  which  is  the  city  of  Wilmington,)  the  people,  so  far  as  I  know  or 
can  learn,  are  good,  peaceable,  law-abiding  citizens. 

No  immler  has  been  committed  in  this  vicinity  since  I  came  here,  ten  months  ago  ; 
and  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  none  for  years.  I  have  learned  that  in  Robeson  County, 
(some  seventy  or  eighty  miles  from  here,)  there  is  a  band  of  marauders  and  outlaws. 
I  do  not  know  what  outrages  they  may  have  committed ;  my  impression  is  that  it  is 
not  a  political  organization,  as  it  is  universally  condemned  by  citizens  here  of  all 
parties. 

I  do  not  know  of  any  other  organized  body  of  evil-disposed  citizen  in  this  State. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir.  very  respectftillv  vour  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  MENDENHALL, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding  Post. 
Major  CHAUNCEY  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Headquarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City. 


HEADQUARTERS  FORT  ADAMS,  RHODE  ISLAND, 

January  2,  1871. 

SIR  :  In  obedience  to  the  instructions  contained  in  your  letter  of  December  24  ultimo, 
requiring  a  "  full  report "  on  the  matters  referred  to  in  the  Senate  resolution  of  Decem- 
ber 16,  1870,  which  requests  the  President  to  communicate  to  the  Senate  all  informa- 
tion in  his  possession  relative,  to  "  organized  bodies  of  disloyal  and  evil-disposed  per- 
sons" in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  which  have  in  view  or  threaten,  first,  resistance 
to  the  execution  of  tha  laws  of  the  United  States ;  or,  second,  denial  to  the  citizens  of 
the  United  States  of  the  equal  protection  of  the  laws,  and  the  free  enjoyment  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  secured  to  them  by  the  Constitution  ;  and  also,  third,  what  mur- 
ders and  outrages  for  political  purposes  have  been  committed  by  such  organizations  of 
disloyal  persons. 

I  have  the  honor  to  state,  first,  that  having  been  assigned  July  27,  1870,  to  tin- 
command  of  the  District  of  North  Carolina,  I  arrived  in  Raleigh  August  1,  a  few  days 
before  the  State  election  took  place. 

I  found  political  feeling  running  very  high,  and  great  excitement  existed,  growing 
out  of  the  proclamation  of  the  governor,  declaring  certain  counties  in  a  state  of  insur- 
rection ;  the  arrest  and  confinement  of  many  of  the  citizens  by  the  State  troops  ;  the 
refusal  of  the  State  authorities  to  obey  the  writs  of  habeas  corpus  issued  by  the  chief 
justice  of  the  State  in  their  behalf,  and  the  failure  of  the  latter  to  enforce  his  writs, 
because  it  would  lead,  as  was  alleged,  to  civil  war. 

The  excitement  was  intensified  by  the  asserted  intention  to  try  the  prisoners  by  mili- 
tary courts,  composed  of  officers  of  the  State  troops,  (one  regiment  of  whites,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Kirk,  serving  mostly  in  the  insurrectionary  district,  and  one  of 
colored  troops,  Colonel  Clarke,  headquarters  at  Raleigh.)  There  Avas  much  apprehen- 
sion that  such  trials,  if  had,  would  lead  to  military  executions.  A  copy  of  my  report 
011  the  subject,  marked  "  A,"  is  appended. 

The  prisoners  held  by  Colonel  Kirk,  or  under  his  orders,  claimed  that  they  were 
deprived  of  their  rights  and  liberties  us  United  States  citizens,  and  applied  to  Judge 
Brooks,  of  the  United  States  district  court,  for  writs  of  habeas  corpus,  which  were 
granted,  and  all,  or  nearly  all  of  those  brought  before  him,  discharged  from  custody. 

Soon  after,  the  United  States  marshal  in  Raleigh,  Mr.  Carrow,  made  application  to 
Captain  Frank,  Eighth  Infantry,  commanding  the  post,  for  military  aid  in  serving  pro- 
cess issued  by  Chief  Justice  Chase,  United  States  Supreme  Court,  against  Kirk  ;  two 
or  three  urgent  applications  were  made  in  rapid  succession,  the  marshal  stating  that 
Kirk  was  surrounded  by  armed  men  from  whom  he  apprehended  resistance  ;  that  he 
had  no  armed  force,  nor  could  he  procure  one  capable  of  overpowering  the  force  at 
Colonel  Kirk's  command,  and  that  it  would  be  useless  for  him  to  attempt  to  serve  his 
process  without  the  aid  of  United  States  troops. 

I  was  with  Captain  Frank  when  these  applications  were  received,  and  went  with 
him  at  once  to  see  the  marshal,  who  stated  that  he  had  a  number  of  writs  against  Kirk, 
who  evaded  him,  and  that  force  would  be  required  to  insure  their  service. 

I  then  suggested  to  Mr.  Carrow  that  he  should  see  the  governor,  who  could  suspend 
Kirk  from  his  functions,  and,  if  necessary,  direct  the  next  in  command  to  arrest  and 
turn  him  over;  that  if  this  application  failed,  or  Kirk  should  attempt  to  resist  him,  to 
call  upon  me. 

I  heard  no  more  on  the  subject,  nor  do  I  believe,  although  I  had  many  complaints  of 
their  lawless  violence  toward  citizens,  and  even  toward  United  States  soldiers,  and  had 
application  for  protection  against  them,  that  the  State  troops  intended  or  would  have 
ventured  to  offer  any  resistance  to  the  United  States  authority,  civil  or  military,  nor  do 
I  believe  that,  in  thfe  sense,  there  wrere  any  organized  bodies  of  disloyal  and  evil-dis- 
posed persons  in  the  State. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  23 

II.  As  to  tin'  denial  of  the  equal  rights  and  liberties  secured  to  citi/ens  of  the  United 
States  by  the  Constitution,  I  know  of  none  other  thau  those  already  stated,  except  so 
far  as  the  ill-treatment  of  colored  people  was  alleged. 

As  soon  as  the  result  of  the  election  became  known,  fears  were  expressed  by  colored 
people  that  they  would  be  deprived. of  their  rights,  and  perhaps  reduced  to  slavery: 
but  this  fear  soon  passed  away.  About  the  8th  or  10th  of  September  I  was  called  upon 
by  several  colored  persons,  two  of  whom  represented  themselves  to  lie  deputed  by  the 
colored  people  of  Newherry,  South  Carolina,  to  ascertain  if  the  statements  then  being 
made  in  the  political  campaign  in  that  State,  as  to  the  ill-treatment  of  the  coloreq 
people  in  North  Carolina  since  the  August  election  were  true.  They  said  that  these 
statements  were  creating  great  alarm  in  South  Carolina,  so  much  that  it  was  con- 
sidered necessary,  by  the  colored  people,  to  send  a  delegation  of  both  parties  to  ascer- 
tain the  facts.  I  told  them  I  would  answer  such  questions  on  the  subject  as  they  might 
address  to  me.  Copies  of  their  letter,  marked  B,  and  of  my  answer,  marked  C,  are  ap- 
pended. Copies  of  other  oth'cial  papers  relating  to  the  subjects  embraced  in  this  re- 
port are  also  appended,  marked  D,  E,  F. 

III.  As  to  "  murders  and  outrages  committed  by  disloyal  organizations  for  political 
purposes,"  I  suppose  that  those  alleged  to  have  been  committed  by  the  so-called  Ku- 
Klux  are  referred  to.     I  heard  of  none  such  as  happening  whilst  I  was  in  the  State, 
to  which  any  importance  could  be  attached.     Of  those  which  occurred  previously  to  my 
assuming  command,  that  which  created  the  most  excitement  was  the  murder  of  Mr. 
Stephens,  a  State  senator,  some  time  in  May.  I  think.     This  was  looked  upon  by  the 
members  of  his  party  as  undoubtedly  a  political  murder,  perpetrated  by  the  Ku-Klux. 

The  party  charged  with  this  murder  was  arrested  by  Colonel  Kirk,  brought  before 
the  State  judges  on  a  bench-warrant,  and  bound  over  to  appear  when  required.  As  the 
chief  justice  did  me  the  honor  to  invite  me  to  take  a  seat  on  thjp  bench,  I  heard  all  the 
evidence,  which  was  published,  and  can,  I  suppose,  be  procured.  That  against  the 
accused  was  very  slight,  and  there  was  no  evidence  whatever  to  show  that  the  murder 
was  the  work  of  any  political  organization,  or  that  the  accused  belonged  to  any  such 
organization.  Evidence  of  the  existence  of  such  organizations  in  both  political  parties 
was  produced ;  nearly  all  the  cases  inquired  into  proved,  however,  that  other  than 
political  purposes  were  effected  through  the  facilities  afforded  by  these  organizations, 
whose  machinery  was  used  to  punish  theft,  burglaries,  insults  to  women,  and  other 
offenses  in  no  way  connected  with  politics.  In  tine,  their  principal  business  seemed  to 
be  to  do  the  work  usually  performed  by  '•  regulators"  and  "  vigilance  committees." 

These  crimes  were  bad  enough  in  themselves,  but  in  the  bitterness  of  party  feeling 
they  were  greatly  exaggerated  and  misrepresented,  and  attributed  to  the  political 
parties  as  such. 

To  what  extent  murders  and  outrages  were  committed  for  political  purposes  I  am 
not  in  a  position  to  state,  for  wheu  the  legislature  passed  laws  to  punish  the  members 
of  secret  organizations,  they  were,  to  a  great  extent,  if  not  wholly,  dissolved,  and  this 
was  before  I  assumed  command  of  the  district. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

HENRY  J.  HUNT, 

Colonel  Fifth  Artillery. 

The  ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT  GENERAL, 

Department  of  the  East. 


HEADQUARTERS  DISTRICT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA,  / 
Raleigh,  August  4,  1870. 

MA.IOI;  :  On  the  2d  instant  I  reported  to  you  by  telegraph  my  arrival  at  this  place, 
stated  that  at  present  all  was  quiet,  and  that  1  would  report  more  fully  when  I  had 
become  better  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  affairs. 

I  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  district  orders  No.  1,  from  which  it  will  appear  that 
existing  orders  will  be  continued  in  force  until  further  instructions  are  given. 

The  chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court  of  this  State  has  refused  an  application  to 
enforce  the  writs  of  Jnibcim  ct>ri»tx  issued  by  him  in  the  cases  of  prisoners  held  by  the 
military  authorities  of  the  State  under  the  orders  of  the  governor. 

This  averts  for  the  present  the  likelihood  of  conflict  between  the  executive  and  judi- 
ciary. There  are  other  arrests  contemplated  which  may  occasion  more  bitter  feeling, 
and  perhaps  lead  to  resistance,  but  my  impression  is,  that  if  the  State  forces  act  with 
reasonable  discretion,  violence  will  not  result. 

If  the  prisoners,  however,  instead  of  being  turned  over  to  the  civil  authorities,  are 
tried  by  military  courts,  convicted  capitally,  and  ordered  for  execution,  (the  course 
which  is  threatened,)  it  is  not  unlikely  that  resistance  will  lie  ottered  ;  it  may  be  by 
the  civil  authorities,  or,  if  not  by  them,  then  by  the  people. 


24  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY  DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

Under  these  circumstances,  or  indeed  under  any  circumstances  growing  out  of  the 
declaration  of  martial  law  by  the  governor  of  the  State,  the  question  of  interference 
by  United  States  troops  is  a"  grave  one.  If  called  .upon,  prompt  action,  inconsistent 
with  the  delay  necessary  to  receive  the  President's  orders,  may  be  required  to  prevent 
bloodshed. 

Additional  instructions  to  those  contained  in  the  circular  of  March  4,  1870,  from 
headquarters  Department  of  Virginia,  seem  necessary. 

These  instructions  have  in  view  two  cases:  1.  That  of  insurrection  against  the  gov- 
ernment of  a  State.  2.  When  troops  are  called  upon  by  marshals  or  sheriffs  to  assist 
in  executing  "  lawful  precepts  "  issued  to  them  by  "  competent  authority." 

To  authorize  action  by  United  States  troops  in  the  first  case,  it  would  seem  to  be 
necessary  that  the  insurrection  should  be  officially  recognized,  aud  the  insurgents  com- 
7iianded  by  proclamation  from  the  President  to  disperse  and  retire  peaceably  to  their 
homes.  (Act  approved  February  28,  1795,  section  3.) 

No  snch  official  recognition  has  yet  been  proclaimed,  and  I  doubt  whether  United 
States  troops  could,  under  these  instructions  alone,  be  employed  on  the  demand  of  the 
governor  to  act  in  support  of  the  State  troops  in  case  of  conflict  between  them  and  the 
alleged  insurgents,  growing  out  of  the  declaration  of  martial  law. 

I  believe  that  Governor  Holden  expects  such  support,  and  that  commanding  officers 
may  consider  it  their  duty  to  give  it,  and  I  have  to  request,  therefore,  that  I  may  be 
informed  specially  whether,  in  case  of  such  demand,  troops  shall  be  furnished  to  aid 
the  State  troops,  or  whether  their  duties  shall  be  limited  to  "preserving  the  peace" 
by  interfering  between  the  parties.  The  effect  of  such  interposition  might  be  to  pre- 
vent the  governor  from  carrying  out  his  measures  to  suppress  the  "  insurrection." 

.  The  second  case  contemplated  by  the  circular  of  March  4,  1870,  is  that  in  which  the 
marshal  or  sheriff  may  Command  the  service  of  troops  in  executing  "lawful  precepts" 
issued  by  "  competent  authority,"  that  is,  as  I  understand  it,  by  the  courts. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  no  difficulty  would  arise,  but  the  proclamation  by  the 
governor  of  an  insurrection  existing  in  certain  counties  makes  it  necessary  that  the 
duties  of  the  United  States  troops  should  be  more  exactly  prescribed,, for  it  is  not  im- 
possible that  the  courts  and  State  troops  may  be  at  issue.  The  governor,  it  is  under- 
stood, intends  to  try  his  prisoners  by  military  commission ;  the  chief  justice  affirms 
that  this  would  not  be  lawful,  but  that  they  should  be  turned  over  to  the  civil  authori- 
ties for  trial.  Should  the  military  courts  convict  capitally,  execution  be  ordered  by 
the  governor,  and  a  conflict  of  the  civil  authorities  result,  the  United  States  troops 
may  be  called  upon  by  the  governor  to  support  those  of  the  State  in  carrying  out  the 
sentence,  and  by  the  marshal  or  sheriff,  under  a  precept  from  the  courts,  to  prevent 
such  execution. 

Such  a  result  is  not,  perhaps,  very  likely,  but  it  is  by  no  means  impossible,  and  if 
instructions  are  issued  in  advance,  it  might  prevent  measures  being  pushed  to  extremity 
by  either  party.  In  the  present  condition  of  affairs  in  the  State,  an  unforeseen  accident 
may  lead  to  collision,  and  every  possible  precaution  should  be  taken  to  prevent  such, 
or  to  warn  either  party  of  the  extent  to  which  aid  would  be  furnished  or  denied  in 
contingencies  which  can  be  anticipated.  It  is  my  opinion  that  Governor  Holden  will 
not  go  beyond  the  point  at  which  he  would  cease  to  have  the  support  of  the  United 
States  troops. 

I  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  a  letter  received  by  Captain  Frank  from  Captain  Rodney, 
commanding  at  Yanceyville,  which  exhibits  the  condition  of  affairs  at  that  place  as 
viewed  by  an  officer  who  is  considered  to  be  of  good  judgment. 

Respectfully  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the  commanding  general. 

HENRY  J.  HUNT, 

Colonel  Fifth  Artillery. 

Major  CHATJNCKY  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Department  of  the  East. 


A  a 

CAMP  OK  COMPANY  D,  FOURTH  ARTILLERY, 

Yauceyrillc,  N.  C.,  July  30,  1870. 

COLONKL  :  Your  letter  of  the  28th  came  to  hand  a  few  moments  ago.  I  wish  to 
inform  you  officially  that  I  have  made  due  investigation,  and  that  there  is  no  possible 
chance  of  there  being  a  collision  between  the  State  troops  and  citizens.  Colonel 
Kirk,  who  is  in  command  of  the  militia,  appears  to  fear  an  attack,  aud  has  made  great 
preparations  for  defense  by  barricading  the  court-house,  doubling  his  guard,  and 
posting  a  strong  force  of  pickets ;  aud  his  whole  cause  for  alarm  is  some  foolish  reports 
given  by  negroes.  For  example,  on  Sunday  last  some  one  reported  to  Colonel  Kirk 
that  a  certain  Captain  Graves,  of  Danville,  Va.,  (who  is  visiting  here  for  the  purpose 
of  protecting  his  brother's  wife,)  had  a  force  of  200  mounted  men  concealed  in  the 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  25 

woods  near  here,  and  was  going  to  attack  him  (Kirk)  in  the  evening.  The  long-roll 
was  immediately  sounded,  all  his  men  forbidden  to  leave  the  court-yard,  all  powder 
and  shot  in  tin-  groceries  taken  possession  of  by  Kirk's  order,  and  tho  captain  arrested 
and  brought  before  Kirk.  Captain  Graves  denied  the  charge,  and  wished  to  have  his 
accusers  brought  before  him,  but  the  man  had  decamped,  and  Kirk  released  the  captain, 
hut  did  not  relax  bis  vigilance. 

On  Wednesday,  when  a  man  named  Williamson  tried  to  sen  e  some  writs  on  Kirk, 
the  long-roll  was  sounded,  and  all  citizens  ordered  to  leave  the  public  square  under 
penalty  of  being  fired  into.  I  think  there  were  exactly  four  men  present.  I  do  not 
hesitate  to  assure  you  that  there  is  no  fear  of  any  disturbance  between  the  citizens  and 
military  unless  Kirk  provokes  them  to  it,  and  it  seems  to  me  he  has  been  endeavoring  to 
do  so  ever  since  lie  lias  been  here.  I  have  done  all  in  my  power  to  keep  the  people 
quiet,  so  far  as  moral  influence  would  go,  and  have  done  my  best  to  keep  myself  and 
command  entirely  separate  and  distinct.  The  people  have  called  upon  me  frequently 
for  advice,  and  I  have  uniformly  advised  them  to  keep  cool  and  not  to  say  or  do  any- 
thing that  would  displease  or  exasperate  the  commanding  officer  of  the  State  troops. 
Tbere  is  to  be  a  political  meeting  to-day,  and  I  will  not  allow  any  member  of  my 
command  to  leave  camp  until  the  people  have  dispersed. 

When  I  wrote  my  letter  of  the  19th  I  did  not  understand  my  orders,  but  your  letter 
of  the  -JSth  makes  my  duty  plain  to  me  now,  and  I  will  follow  your  orders  strictly  and 
to  the  letter.  Oil  several  occasions  I  have  had  to  explain  my  position  and  orders,  first 
when  the  deputy  sheriff  called  on  me,  (after  the  sheriffs  arrest,)  and  also  when  a  gentle- 
man named  Williamson  called,  saying  he  was  deputized  by  the  supreme  court  of  the 
State  to  serve  writs  on  Colonel  Kirk,  and  when  Kirk  refused  to  see  him,  he  wanted  me  to 
serve  them  for  him  ;  so  I  explained  my  position  to  him.  and  told  him  my  duty  was  to 
aid  the  civil  authority,  and  I  could  not  and  would  not  have  anything  to  do  with  the 
affair,  as  the  executive  was  recognized  as  the  head  of  the  oivil  authority,  and  Colonel 
Kirk  was  acting  under  his  orders.  In  regard  to  Ku-Kluxism  I  know  vjery  little,  save 
that  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  any  one,  black  or  white,  that  has  ever  seen  one,  but 
only  heard  of  them  ;  but  Colonel  Kirk  tells  me  he  has  plenty  of  evidence  to  trace  out- 
rages that  have  been  committed  to  such  an  organization.  What  the  outrages  are,  or 
when  they  have  been  committed,  is  a  mystery  to  me  as  yet. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  B.  RODNEY, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Brevet  Major  United  States  Army, 

Commanding  Company  D. 

Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry, 

Commanding  United  States  Forces  in  North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  XT.  C. 


B. 

RALKIGII,  N.  C.,  September  11,  1870. 

Sm:  The  undersigned,  a  deputation  from  the  colored  people  of  Newberry,  South 
Carolina,  to  visit  North  Carolina  to  ascertain  the  truth  or  falsity  of  certain  rumors  in 
regard  to  the  treatment  of  colored  people  since  the  August  election,  have  learned  that 
you  have  been  here  some  weeks  in  your  official  capacity,  and  relying  entirely  upon  the 
correctness  of  your  observations  and  impressions,  beg,  respectfully,  that  you  will  reply 
to  the  following  inquiries: 

1st.  Is  it  true  or  false  that  since  the  August  elections  in  this  State  the  colored  people 
are  compelled  to  carry  passes  about  with  them  in  order  to  secure  their  protection  ? 

2d.  Is  it. true  or  false  that  colored  people  are  now  whipped  at  the  whipping-post? 

3d.  Is  it  true  or  false  that  the  rights  of  the  colored  people,  as  secured  'by  law,  are 
ignored  in  this  State  by  the  white  people  ? 

4th.  Is  it  true  or  false  that  the  public  schools  are  closed  against  the  colored  people  ? 

5th.  Have  you  any  reason  to  fear  or  believe,  from  your  intercourse  with  the  people, 
that  the  whites,  or  the  conservatives  and  democrats,  have  any  purpose  or  design  to  at- 
lempt  to  interfere  with  or  abridge,  any  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  colored  peo- 
ple now  secured  to  them  by  the  Constitution  and  the  laws? 

A  plain  answer  will  much  oblige  your  obedient  servants, 

HOSE  A  WVNX.  a  Democrat. 
CASEY.  DAVIDS,  a  Republican. 

General  HUNT, 

Commanding  United  States  Forces  in  North  Carolina. 


26  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

C. 

HEADQUARTERS  DISTRICT  OF  NORTH  CAROLIXA, 

Italcirjh,  September  11,  1870. 

GENTLEMEN  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  note  of  yesterday's 
date  informing  me  that  you  have  been  deputed  by  the  colored  people  of  Newberry, 
South  Carolina,  to  ascertain  the  truth  or  falsity  of  certain  rumors  with  regard  to  the 
treatment  of  colored  people  in  this  State  since  the  election  in  August,  and  asking  me 
to  reply  to  certain  questions  which  you  propose.  To  these  questions  I  reply  as  follows  : 

Question  1st.  "  Is  it  true  or  false  that  since  the  August  election  in  this  State  the 
colored  people  are  compelled  to  carry  passes  about  them  in  order  to  secure  their  pro- 
tection?" 

Answer.  I  have  never  heard  of  a  colored  person  being  compelled  to  carry  such  pass, 
nor  do  I  believe  that  they  have  been  compelled  to  do  so. 

Question  2d.  "  Is  it  true  or  false  that  colored  people  are  now  whipped  at  the  Avhip- 
ping-post  ?" 

Answer.  I  have  not  heard  of  such  a  case,  nor  do  I  believe  that  one  has  occurred. 

Question  3d.  "  Is  it  true  or  false  that  the  rights  of  the  colored  people,  as  secured  by 
law,  are  ignored  in  this  State  by  the  white  people  ?" 

Answer.  To  the  best  of  my  knowledge  it  is  not  trne. 

Question  4th.  "  Is  it  true  or  false  that  the  public  schools  are  closed  against  the 
colored  people  ?" 

Answer.  It  is  not  true.  Schools  are  not  established  over  the  whole  State,  but  they 
are  being  established  as  rapidly  as  practicable.  The  only  distinction  between  white  and 
colored  people  is  that  there  are  separate  schools  for  the  two  colors.  But  the  chai-acter 
of  the  schools  is  the  same,  and  it  is  the  testimony  of  all  with  whom  I  have  conversed 
upon  the  subject  that  there»is  no  disposition  to  deprive,  in  any  manner,  colored  children 
of  the  advantages  of  public  schools.  On  the  contrary,  the  desire  of  both  political  par- 
ties is  to  give  them  equal  advantages  with  white  children. 

Question  5th.  "  Have  you  any  reason  to  fear  or  believe,  from  your  intercourse  with  the 
people,  that  the  whites,  or  conservatives  and  democrats,  have  any  purpose  or  design  to 
attempt  to  interfere  with,  or  abridge  any  of  the  rights  of  the  colored  people  now  secured 
to  them  by  the  Constitution  and  the  laws  ?" 

Answer.  I  have  not.  From  my  intercourse  with  gentlemen  of  both  political  parties, 
I  have  been  impressed  with  the  conviction  that  it  is  both  the  desire  and  intention  to 
respect  the  rights  of  the  colored  people,  and  to  give  them  such  further  security  for 
their  rights  as  circumstances  may  show  to  be  necessary. 

I  will  add  that  I  came  to  this  State  but  a  few  days  before  the  election  ;  that  imme- 
diately after  the  result  was  known,  numerous  colored  people  applied  to  Army  officers 
for  employment  which  would  enable  them  to  leave  the  country  with  the  troops,  as 
they  were  afraid  they  would  be  ill-treated,  and  perhaps  reduced  to  slavery  again.  I 
believe  this  fear  has  worn  off,  and  those  who  were  alarmed  on  the  subject  now  feel 
safe. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  J.  HUNT, 
Major  General  U.  S.  A.,  Colonel  Fifth  Artillery,  Commanding. 

Messrs.  HOSEA  WYNN,  CASEY  DAVIDS. 


D. 

HEADQUARTERS  DISTRICT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

Raleigh,  August  10,  1870. 

MAJOR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  hereAvith  a  report  from  Captain  F.  G.  Smith, 
Fourth  Artillery,  commander  at  Ruffin,  Rockingham  County,  about  twelve  miles  from 
Yanceyville,  the  county  seat  of  Craven.  Special  reports  have  not  yet  been  received 
from  Yanceyville,  Roxborough,  or  Grahkm,  but,  so  far  as  known,  everything  is  quiet, 
and  no  disturbances  are  reported  in  the  insurrectionary  counties,  nor  about  here. 

Writs  of  habeas  corpus  have  been  issued  by  the  United  States  Judge  Brooks  in  the 
cases  of  the  prisoners  held  by  Colonel  Kirk,  at  Yanceyville.  It  is  understood  that 
Colonel  Kirk  will  refer  the  matter  to  the  governor  for  instructions,  and  that  the  prison- 
ers will  not  probably  be  delivered  up  unless  United  States  troops  enforce  the  writs. 
If  satisfactory  returns  are  not  made,  or  if  there  is  refusal  to  produce  the  prisoners,  I 
expect  to  be  called  upon  by"  the  federal  marshal  for  aid.  I  have  not  thought  it  expe- 
dient to  broach  the  matter  to  the  governor  before  I  am  called  upon  by  the  marshal, 
but  I  believe  that  the  prisoners  would  be  delivered  up  on  my  demand.  I  will  tele- 
graph for  instructions,  unless  I  receive  directions  in  advance  what  to  do.  Of  course 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  27 

I  will  not  act  until  the  marshal  has  endeavored  to  execute  the  writs  without  military 
aid. 

I  sent  you  by  to-day's  mail  a  copy  each  of  the  Standard  and  the  Sentinel,  organs  of 
the  two  political  parties  of  the  State.  The  grounds  on  which  Judge  Brooks  is  under- 
stood to  have  issued  his  writs  are  stated  in  the  Sentinel,  in  which  paper  I  have  marked 
two  articles  referring  to  the  subject. 

An  article  respecting  the  State  troops  will  be  found  in  the  Standard.  There  is  fear 
among  the  colored  people,  since  the  results  of  the  election  were  made  known,  that  ttiey 
are  to  be  subjected  to  persecution,  and  even  reduced  to  slavery  again.  This  .feeling 
would  soon  die  out,  if  no  'effort  was  made  to  create  it  or  to  keep  it  alive  where  it 
already  exists,  and  the  agitation  of  the  subject  is  most  mischievous. 

That  there  is  a  general  feeling  of  uneasiness  in  this  community  due  to  this  idea  on 
the  part  of  the  negroes,  and  on  the  part  of  the  whites  to  the  presence  of  State  troops, 
and  especially  to  the  black  troops,  is  certain. 

The  latter  are  full  of  the  idea  that  they  are  in  constant  danger  from  the  "Ku-Klux," 
and  this  has  led  to  serious  mischief,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  reports  of  the  shooting  of 
Private  Bradley,  Battery  A,  Fourth  United  States  Artillery,  which  were  forwarded  to 
yon  to-day.  Their  presence  is  thus  shown  to  be  a  source  of  positive  danger,  from  the 
mode  of  performing  their  duties,  and  this,  with  the  excitement  among  them  and  other 
colored  people,  about  the  possible  effect  of  the  election,  causes  uneasiness  among  many 
of  the  white  citizens,  so  that  as  long  as  this  force  is  kept  up  there  will,  I  believe,  be  a 
general  desire  that  United  States  troops  should  remain  here. 

Respectfully  submitted  for  the  information  of  the  general  commanding. 

HENRY  J.  HUNT, 
Major  General  United  States  Army,  Colonel  Fifth  Artillery,  Commanding. 

Major  CHAUNCEY  MCKKKVKK, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Department  of  the  East,  JVew  York  City. 

Dd. 

HEADQUARTERS  STATION  OF  RUFFIN, 

Ruffin,  August  8,  1870. 

SIR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  for  the  information  of  the  post  commander,  that 
since  my  arrival  here  on  the  29th  ultimo,  when  I  found  an  exciting  political  contest 
going  on  among  the  citizens  of  the  vicinity,  which  was  prosecuted  with  vigor  by  both 
parties  until  election  day,  the  4th  instant,  not  a  single  case  of  riot  or  disturbance  has 


been  brought  to  my  notice  up  to  this  time. 
1  am  informed  by  all  persons  with  win 
political  campaign  here  has  ever  been  conducted  with  more  order  than  that  so  recently 


1  am  informed  by  all  persons  with  whom  I  have  conversed  on  the  subject,  that  no 


concluded.     The  disposition  to  assist  and  submit  to  the  civil  authorities  seems  general. 
How  far  the  presence  of  troops  contributes  to  this  feeling  I  am  unable  to  say ;  but  the 
present  sheriff  of  the  county,  a  republican,  informs  me  that  he  has  always  been  able 
to  make  arrests  and  exercise  all  the  functions  of  his  office  without  let  or  hiuderance. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  serva'nt, 

FRANK  G.  SMITH, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding. 
First  Lieutenant  J.  W.  POWELL, 

Adjutant,  Post  of  lialeigh,  lialeigh,  North  Carolina. 


RUFFIN,  NORTH  CAROLINA,  August  14, 1870. 

LIEUTENANT  :  The  condition  of  affairs  in  Yancey  ville  is  beginning  to  be  serious,  the 
North  Carolina  State  troops  under  Colonel  Kirk  being  nothing  more  than  an  armed 
mob,  and  the  more  generally  exasperated  at  the  present  condition.  I  have  fears  of  an 
(m< break.  Colonel  Kirk  is  either  endeavoring  to  create  a  disturbance  between  the 
people,  or  my  men  and  his  own  troops,  in  order  to  justify  his  recent  conduct.  His  men 
roam  round  the  country,  and  pillage  and  insult  the  people  with  impunity,  and  some 
threaten  to  attack  my  men.  Last  night  one  of  my  men,  without  previous  provocation, 
was  struck  with  a  stone  by  one  of  the  militia  ;  and  since  my  company  ha.s  been  reduced 
both  officers  and  men  have  been  subjected  to  insults,  and  now  the  feeling  is  so  strong 
that,  in  my  opinion,  nothing  but  a  strong  force  of  United  States  troops  will  preserve 
the  peace. 

The  militia  threaten  to  burn  the  town  of  Yanceyville  when  they  leave,  and  unless 
there  is  a  strong  force  of  United  States  troops  there  when  they  are  disbanded  ir.ithing 
will  prevent  them. 


28  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

I  wish  to  state  that  I  make  this  report  after  due  reflection,  and  am  convinced  that 
reinforcements  should  be  sent  to  Yancey ville  immediately.     Please  reply,  by  telegram, 
to  Pelham,  as  soon  as  possible.    I  will  wait  there  for  answer. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  B.  RODNEY, 

Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding  Company  D. 
Lieutenant  J.  W.  POWELL, 

Eighth  Regiment  of  Infantry.  A,  A.  A.  General, 

District  of  North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

P.  S. — I  shall  be  ready  to-morrow,  on  receipt  of  order  to  that  effect.    A  man  will  be 
at  the  Pelham  station  until  a  dispatch  is  received. 

FRANK  G.  SMITH. 

Mem. — I  telegraphed  immediately,  ordering  Captain  Smith  to  Yanceyville. 

H.  J.  H. 


F. 

HEADQUARTERS  STATION  OF  YANCKYVILLK,  N.  C., 

Yanceyville,  August  16, 1870. 

SIR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  arrival  of  my  company  (H,  Fourth  Artillery)  at 
this  station,  the  movement  having  been  made  in  obedience  to  your  telegraphic  order  of 


Colonel  Kirk,  with  two  hundred  of  his  men  and  all  his  civilian  prisoners,  inarched 
hence,  very  quietly,  for  Company's  Shops,  a  station  on  the  North  Carolina  Railroad,  at 
5  p.  m.  yesterday,  leaving  a  small  force  in  the  court-house,  with  a  major  in  command. 

Unless  the  whole  force  of  militia  should  return  to  Yanceyville,  no  more  troops  will 
be  required  here.  All  is  quiet  now. 

Verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

FRANK  G.  SMITH, 
Captain  Fourth  Artillery,  Commanding. 
First  Lieutenant  J.  W.  POWELL, 

A.  A.  A.  G.,  District  of  North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 


[!N  THE  SENATE  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

December  16,  1870. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  requested  to  communicate  to  the  Senate  all  informa- 
tion that  he  may  possess  relative  to  organized  bodies  of  disloyal  and  evil  disposed  persons 
in  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  which  have  in  view  or  threaten  resistance  to  the  execu- 
tion of  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  denial  to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  of 
the  equal  protection  <rf  the  laws,  and  the  free  enjoyment  of  the  rights  and  liberties 
secured  to  them  by  the  Constitution ;  and  also  what  murders  and  outrages  for  political 
purposes  have  been  committed  by  such  organizations  of  disloyal  persons. 
Attest: 

GEO.  C.  GORHAM, 

Secretary.] 


[Indorsement.] 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

Washington,  December  20,  1870. 

Official  copy,  respectfully  referred  through  headquarters  Military  Division   of  the 
Atlantic  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  Department  of  the  East  for  report. 
By  command. 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant  General. 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York,  December  24,  1870. 

Official  copy,  respectfully  referred  to  Captain  George  B.  Rodney,  Fourth  Artillery,  for 
a  full  report  on  the  matters  within  referred  to. 
By  command  of  Brigadier  General  McDowell. 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  29 

FORT  MC-HEXRY,  MD.,  January  1,  1871. 

Respectfully  returned  t<>  headquarters  of  the  Department  of  the  East.  I  know 
nothing  whatever  of  the  matters  within  referred  to. 

GEO.  B.  RODNEY, 

Captain  Fourth  Artillery. 

BROOKLYN,  NKW  YORK,  January  9,  1871. 

MAJOR  :  In  compliance  with  indorsement  from  department  headquarters  of  Decem- 
ber 24, 1870,  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  upon  a  Hairs  in  North  Caro- 
lina, referred  to  in  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  of  December  16, 
1870: 

I  commanded  the  post  of  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  from  the  1st  of  May,  1870,  until 
the  latter  part  of  October.  Civil  law  having  been  restored  in  North  Carolina,  my  du- 
ties in  relation  to  the  civil  authorities,  as  commanding  officer  of  the  military  post  of 
Raleigh,  consisted  of  giving  such  assistance  when  called  upon  by  them  as  is  authorized 
by  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States.  I  was  not  in  position,  therefore,  to 
become  officially  advised  of  the  difficulties  and  obstacles  to  the  enforcement  of  the 
laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of  the  outrages  and  murders  committed  upon  citizens. 
except  when  called  upon  by  the  civil  authorities  for  military  aid  in  the  enforcement  of 
civil  law.  In  two  instances  I  furnished  the  United  States  marshal  with  a  military 
force  to  aid  him  in  making  arrests.  In  one  instance  it  was  for  resistance  to  the  en- 
forcement of  the  revenue  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  in  the  other  to  arrest  a  party 
of  twelve  men  charged  with  banding  together,  and  shooting  several  times  a  colored 
man  for  political  reasons.  The  arrests  were  made  of  nine  of  them,  and  a  hearing 
before  the  United  States  commissioner  resulted  in  four  of  these  being  held  to  bail  for 
their  appearance  before  the  United  States  court.  Application  was  made  in  other  simi- 
lar cases  for  military  aid,  but  it  was  not  furnished,  because  the  marshal  did  not  present 
the  necessary  evidence  of  his  inability  to  make  the  arrests  by  the  ordinary  civil  means. 
I  aftrrward  learned  from  the  marshal  that  he  did  not  make  those  arrests  until  he  ob- 
tained a  military  force  from  the  State  authorities.  He  claimed  that  he  was  unable  to 
make  arrests  in  these  eases,  because  of  the  organized  bands  of  the  Kn-Klux  Klau, 
which  it  was  alleged  existed  in  many  parts  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  by 
whom  these  outrages  were  committed.  That  the  notoriety  of  their  murderous  opera- 
tions and  atrocious  character  were  the  only  evidence  he  could  present  of  the  necessity 
for  a  military  force,  and  sufficient  to  deter  him  from  an  effort  to  arrest  them  without 
it.  It  was  generally  conceded,  I  think,  by  all  parties,  that  such  bands  or  organized 
bodies  did  exist  in  many  parts  of  the  State,  though  their  purpose  is  differently  stated. 
By  some  to  counteract  the  effects  of  an  organization  known  as  Loyal  Leagues ;  by 
others  to  protect  the  whites  against  the  negroes,  by  summarily  punishing  outrages 
committed  by  the  latter  upon  the  whites ;  and  by  others  still  to  promote  the  interests 
of  the  democratic  party.  I  think  it,  in  a  measure,  undertakes  all  these  offices.  There 
were  a  great  many  murders  and  other  outrages  attributed  to  them  for  political  pur- 
poses, notably  that  of  a  State  senator,  Steaven,  of  Caswell  County.  There  appeared  to 
be  no  other  assignable  reason  for  his  murder. 

Having  no  records  or  data  before  me,  I  am  unable  to  make  my  report  upon  this  sub- 
ject us  full  or  precise  as  I  otherwise  could. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

ROYAL  T.  FRANK, 
Captain  First  Artillery,  late  Commanding  Post  of  Raleigh. 

Major  C.  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

Raleigh,  May  9,  1870. 

SIR  :  The  organization  known  as  the  "  Ku-Klux  Klan  "  have  committed  many  acts  of 
violence  in  Orange,  Alamauce,  Chatham,  Moore,  Caswell,  and  other  counties  of  this 
State. 

Colonel  Hayman,  the  former  commandant  of  this  post,  had  a  full  company  at  the  town 
of  Uraham,  in  Alamance  County,  but  this  force  has  been  withdrawn  by  the  late  order. 
It  is  very  important  for  Alamance  and  Caswell,  the  counties  now  most  infested  with 
this  secret  armed  organization,  that  troops  should  lie  retaim  <1  at  (Jrahain,  with  instruc- 
tions to  detail  a  squad  for  the  town  of  Yanceyville,  in  Caswell  County. 

I  am  glad  to  be  able  to  state  that  these  excesses  are  abating;  but  the  most  effectual 
mode  to  fully  extinguish  them  is  to  place  Federal  troops  in  certain  localities.  The 
fear  of  the  national  power  is  such  that  a  course  of  this  kind  will  command  the  peace, 


30  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

and  enable  the  civil  officers  of  the  State  to  execute  legal  process,  and  thus  bring  offenders 
to  justice. 

I  trust  the  matter  will  meet  your  favorable  consideration. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  HOLDEN,  Gorei-nor. 

P.  S. — I  have  no  objection  to  leaving  the  detachments  to  be  sent  to  the  discretion  of 
Colonel  Frank,  the  commandant  at  this  post. 

W.  W.  HOLDEN,  Governor. 
A  true  copy : 

C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Major  General  IK  WIN  McDowKLL, 

Commanding  Department  of  the  East,  Xeiv  York. 


STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA,  ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 
Raleigh,  November  7,  1870. 

MAJOR  :  By  direction  of  Governor  Holden,  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  a  detach- 
ment of  Federal  troops,  (at  least  fifty  men,)  be  sent  to  Robeson  County,  to  aid  the  civil 
authorities  in  the  execution  of  the  law,  and  in  giving  protection  to  life  and  property. 

By  order  of  his  Excellency  I  have  recently  visited  that  county,  and  found  the  con- 
dition of  affairs  truly  alarming. 

The  civil  law  is  openly  set  at  defiance  by  a  gang  of  desperadoes,  who  rob  and  mur- 
der very  much  at  their  own  pleasure.  They  have  gone  so  far  as  to  lay  plans  for  stop- 
ping and  robbing' the  mail  train,  which  passes  through  a  tangled  swamp  in  that 
county. 

The  census  taker  informed  me  he  dare  not  visit  certain  townships  for  the  purpose  of 
completing  his  report.  He  is  a  magistrate,  and  has  endeavored  to  bring  to  justice 
persons  accused  of  murder.  The  citizens  have  became  so  alarmed  and  enraged  that 
they  have  turned  out  and  killed  one,  and  wounded  others  accused  of  being  in  sympathy 
with  the  gang  aforementioned,  when,  upon  further  investigation,  they  find  the  inno- 
cent have  suffered. 

From  the  fact  that  the  outlaws  and  their  victims  belong  to  different  races,  it  has  given 
rise  to  so  much  of  political  feeling  that  there  is  no  hope  of  peace  except  through  the 
interference  of  the  United  States  troops,  whose  presence  all  parties  unite  in  soliciting. 
The  power  of  the  State  has  become  exhausted. 

The  sheriff  of  the  county  said  he  could  not  arrest  the  felons,  or  prevent  more  inno- 
cent blood  from  being  shed.  The  magistrates  decline  to  act  further  until  they  receive 
protection. 

The  presence  of  Federal  troops  will  intimidate  the  guilty  and  encourage  the  timid 
to  aid  in  the  support  of  the  laws. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  W.  FISHER,  Adjutant  General 

P.  S. — If  necessary,  the  Governor  directs  me  to  say  that  the  troops  at  Graham  better 
be  sent  to  Robeson  County  than  to  remain  at  Graham. 

A.  W.  FISHER,  Adjutant  General. 
A  true  copy  : 

C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Major  F.  G.  SMITH,  U.  S.  A., 

Commanding  Post,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 


[Circular.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  VIRGINIA, 

Richmond,  Va.,  March  4,  1870. 

The  following  instructions  from  the  headquarters  of  the  Army  are  republished  for  the 
information  of  post  commanders  and  for  their  guidance  in  all  cases  where  they  may 
be  called  upon  by  the  civil  authorities  for  military  interposition  to  preserve  the  peace 
or  for  troops  to  assist  in  the  execution  of  civil  process : 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

Washington,  August  10,  1868. 

GENERAL:  The  following  instructions  from  the  Secretary  of  War  are  furnished  for 
your  government : 
To  the  end  that  the  necessary  aid  may  be  rendered  by  the  United  States  as  promptly 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL   PERSONS.  31 

as  possible  in  any  case  of  insurrection  or  domestic  violence  in  the  States  embraced  in 
your  military  department,  you  will  keep  yourself  informed  of  the  condition  of  affairs 
in  said  .States,  and  communicate  promptly  by  telegraph  to  the  War  Department, 
through  the  headquarters  of  the  Army,  any  tacts  which  may  make  it  the  duty  of  the 
1 'resident,  under  the  Constitution  and  laws,  to  employ  the  military  force  of  the  United 

States. 

You  will  also  maintain  such  disposition  of  the  troops  under  your  command  that  they 
may  be  ready  to  act  without  delay  upon  receipt  of  the  President's  orders,  stationing 
them  at,  or  from  time  to  time  moving  them  to,  points  where  you  may  have  reason  to 
apprehend  a  necessity  for  their  use. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  indicate 
the  conditions  under  which  the  military  force  of  the  United  States  maybe  lawfully 
employed  to  suppress  insurrection  against  the  government  of  any  State:  . 

Constitution,  Article  IV,  Section  IV.— -The  United  States  shall  guarantee  to  every  State 
in  this  Union  a  republican  form  of  government,  and  shall  protect  each  of  them  against 
invasion  ;  and  on  application  of  the  legislature,  or  of  the  executive,  (when  the  legis- 
lature cannot  be  convened,)  against  domestic  violence. 

Act  of  Congress  approved  February  28,  1795,  Section  1. — 

And  in  ease  of  an  insurrection  in  any  .State  against  the  government  thereof,  it  shall  In- 
lawful  for  the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  application  of  the  legislature  of  such 
State,  or  of  the  executive,  (when  the  legislature  cannot  be  convened,)  to  call  forth 
such  number  of  the  militia  of  any  other  State  or  States,  as  may  be  applied  for,  as  he 
may  judge  sufficient  to  suppress  such  insurrection.  And  section  3:  Provided  always, 
ana  /«  //  further  enacted,  That  whenever  it  may  be  necessary,  in  the.  judgment  of  the 
President,  to  use  the  military  force  hereby  directed  to  be  called  forth,  the  President 
shall  forthwith,  by  proclamation,  command  such  insurgents  to  disperse  and  retire 
peaceably  to  their  respective,  abodes  within  a  limited  time. 

Act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1870. — Be  it  enacted,  <fc.,  That  in  all  cases  of  in- 
surrection or  obstruction  of  the  laws,  either  of  the  United  States  or  of  any  individual 
State  or  Territory,  where  it  is  lawful  for  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  call  forth 
the  militia  for  the  purpose  of  suppressing  such  insurrection,  or  of  causing  the  laws  to 
be  duly  executed,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  him  to  employ,  for  the  same  purposes,  such  part 
of  the  land  or  naval  force  of  the  United  States  as  shall  be  judged  necessary,  having 
first  observed  all  the  prerequisites  of  the  law  in  that  respect. 

By  command  of  General  Grant : 

E.  D.  TpWNSEND, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Brevet  Major  General  R.  C.  BUCHANAN,  U.  S.  A., 

Commanding  Department  of  Louisiana,  New  Orleans,  La. 


HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 
ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

Washington,  August  25,  1868. 

GENF.KAT.:  In  reply  to  your  request  for  instructions  relative  to  the  use  of  the  troops 
under  your  command  in  aid  of  the  civil  authorities,  the  Secretary  of  War  directs  to  be 
furnished  for  your  information  and  government  the  inclosed  copies  of  a  letter  of  in- 
structions to  Brevet  Major  General  Buchanan,  commanding  Department  of  Louisiana, 
dated  August  10,  1868,  and  of  a  letter  from  the  Attorney  General  of  the  United  States 
to  Alexander  Magrnder,  esq.,  United  States  marshal  northern  district  of  Florida,  dated 
August  20,  1868. 

The  letter  to  General  Buchanan  indicates  the  conditions  under  which  the  military 
force  of  the  United  States  may  be  employed  to  suppress  insurrection  against  the  gov- 
ernment of  any  State,  and  describes  the  duties  of  the  department  commander  in  refer- 
ence thereto. 

The  letter  of  the  Attorney  General  sets  forth  the  conditions  under  which  the  mar- 
shals and  sheriffs  may  command  the  assistance  of  the  troops  in  their  respective  dis- 
tricts or  counties  to  execute  lawful  precepts  issued  to  them  by  competent  authority. 

The  obligation  of  the  military,  (individual  officers  and  soldiers,)  in  common  with  all 
citi/ens.  to  obey  the  summons  of  a  marshal  or  sheriff,  must  be  held  subordinate  to 
their  paramount  duty  as  members  of  a  permanent  military  body.  Hence  the  troops 
can  .act  only  in  their  proper  organized  capacity,  under  their  own  officers,  and  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  immediate  orders  of  those  officers.  The  officer  commanding  troops  sum- 
moned to  the  aid  of  a  marshal  or  sheriff  must  also  judge  for  himself,  and  upon  his 
own  official  responsibility,  whether  the  service  required  of  him  is  lawful  and  neces- 
sary, and  compatible  with  the  proper  discharge  of  his  ordinary  military  duties,  and 
must  limit  his  action  absolutely  to  proper  aid  in  execution  of  the  lawful  precept  ex- 
hibited to  him  by  the  marshal  or  sheriff. 

If  time  will  permit,  every   demand  from  a    civil     fficer   for  military  aid,  whether  it 


32  'OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

be  for  the  execution  of  civil  process  or  to  suppress  insurrection,  should  be  forwarded 
to  the  President,  with  all  the  material  facts  in  the  case,  for  his  orders ;  and  in  all  cases 
the  highest  commander  whose  orders  can  be  given  in  time  to  meet  the  emergency  will 
alone  assume  the  responsibility  of  action. 

By  a  timely  disposition  of  troops  where  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  a  necessity  for 
their  use,  and  by  their  passive  interposition  between  hostile  parties,  danger  of  collision 
may  be  averted.  Department  commanders,  and  in  cases  of  necessity  their  subordinates, 
are  expected,  in  this  regard,  to  exercise  upon  their  own  responsibility  a  wise  discretion, 
to  the  end  that  in  any  event  the  peace  may  be  preserved. 
By  command  of  General  Grant : 

J.  C.  KELTON, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General, 
Major  General  GEORGE  G.  MEADE,  U.  S.  A., 

Commanding  Department  of  the  South,  Atlanta,  Georgia. 


HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

Washington,  August  25,  1868. 

GENERAL  :  In  addition  to  the  instructions  furnished  you  from  this  office  on  the  10th 
of  August,  1868,  the  Secretary  of  War  directs  that'  your  attention  be  called  to  the  in- 
closed copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Attorney  General  of  the  United  States  to  Alexander 
Magruder,  esq.,  United  States  marshal  northern  district  of  Florida,  dated  August  20, 
1868,  setting  forth  the  conditions  under  which  the  marshals  and  sheriffs  may  command 
the  assistance  of  the  troops  in  their  respective  districts  or  counties,  to  execute  the  law- 
ful precepts  issued  to  them  by  competent  authority. 

The  obligation  of  the  military,  (individual  officers  and  soldiers,)  in  common  with  all 
citizens,  to  obey  the  summons  of  a  marshal  or  sheriff,  must  be  held  subordinate  to  their 
paramount  duty  as  members  of  a  permanent  military  body.  Hence  the  troops  can  act 
only  in  their  proper  organized  capacity,  under  their  own  officers,  and  in  obedience  to 
the  immediate  orders  of  those  officers.  The  officer  connnanding  troops  summoned  to 
the  aid  of  a  marshal  or  sheriff  must  also  judge  for  himself,  and  upon  his  own  official 
responsibility,  whether  the  service  required  of  him  is  lawful  and  necessary,  and  com- 
patible with  the  proper  discharge  of  his  ordinary  military  duties,  and  must  limit  his 
action  absolutely  to  proper  aid  in  execution  of  the  lawful  precept  exhibited  to  him  by 
the  marshal  or  sheriff. 

If  time  will  permit,  every  demand  from  a  civil  officer  for  military  aid,  whether  it  be 
for  the  execution  of  civil  process  or  to  suppress  insurrection,  should  be  forwarded  to 
the  President,  with  all  the  material  facts  in  the  case,  for  his  orders ;  and  in  all  cases 
the  highest  commander  whose  orders  can  be  given  in  time  to  meet  the  emergency  will 
alone  assume  the  responsibility  of  action. 

By  a  timely  disposition  of  troops  where  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  a  necessity  for 
their  use,  and  by  their  passive  interposition  between  the  hostile  parties,  danger  of  col- 
lision may  be  averted.  Department  commanders,  and  in  cases  of  necessity  their  sub- 
ordinates, are  expected  in  this  regard  to  exercise  upon  their  own  responsibility  a  wise 
discretion,  to  the  end  that  in  any  event  the  peace  may  be  preserved. 

By  command  of  General  Grant : 

J.  C.  KELTON, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Brevet  Major  General  R.  C.  BUCHANAN, 

Commanding  Department  of  Louisiana,  New  Orleans,  La. 


WAR  DEPARTMENT, 
Washington  City,  September  14,  1868. 


GENERAL  :  Your  communication  of  September  1,  inclosing,  for  the  information  of  the 
President,  a  communication  from  the  governor  of  Louisiana,  making  application  for 
troops,  and  your  reply  thereto,  and  a  copy  of  your  circular  No.  2,  of  September  1,  have 


been  received. 


The  peculiar  condition  of  the  Southern  States  at  this  time  renders  it  necessary  for 
the  Army  to  do  all  that  the  laws  allow  for  the  preservation  of  peace. 

The  mere  presence  of  troops  is  generally  sufficient  to  prevent  a  serious  breach  of 
the  peace. 

As  it  is  generally  lawful  and  proper  for  the  military  commander  to  send  his  troops 
wherever  he  may  apprehend  a  necessity  for  their  use,'  it  is  much  better  thus  to  prevent 
such  necessity  than  to  wait  until  it  has  actually  arisen. 


OUTRANGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.'  33 

It  is  flic  wish  of  tin-  President  that  you  exercise  within  the  limit  of  your  lawful  au- 
thority full  discret ion  in  your  action,  to  the  end  that  in  any  event  peace  may  he  pre- 
served. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  SCHOFIELD, 

Secretary  of  War, 
Brevet  Major  General  BUCHANAN, 

('imiiiutndiny  Department  of  Louisiana. 


EXECUTIVE  OFFICE, 

Washington,  J).  C.,  October  31,  1868. 
Brevet  Major  General  LOVELL  H.  ROUSSEAU, 

Comma  i  id  I  ny  the  Department  of  Louisiana,  New  Orleans: 

Yon  are  expected  and  authorized  to  take  all  legitimate  steps  necessary  and  proper 
to  prevent  breaches  of  the  peace  or  hostile  collisions  between  citi/cns.  Questions  re- 
lating to  the  civil  polity  of  the  State  must  he  left  to  the  proper  civil  authorities  for 
consideration  and  settlement.  The  object  is  to  preserve  peace  and  restore  civil  gov- 
ernment to  the  people,  according  to  the  principles  laid  down  in  the  Constitution. 

You  are  referred  to  instructions  heretofore  given,  which  are  deemed  full  and  ample 
for  all  just  and  lawful  purposes. 

ANDREW  JOHNSON. 
Transmitted  by  conimandof  General  Grant.    Acknowledge  receipt. 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Bv  command  of  Brevet  Major  General  Canby : 

•  LOUIS,  V.  CAZIARC, 

Aidc-de-Camp,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Official :  * 

Aide-de-Camp. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUAHTKHS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  £AST, 

New  York  City,  May  10,  1870. 
COMMANDING  OFFICER  UNITED  STATES  ARMY, 

Post  of  Raleigh,  North  Carolina  : 

Hold  a  company  in  readiness  to  proceed  to  Graham  for  temporary  duty  at  that  place. 
The  instructions  heretofore   given  your  predecessor  from  the  headquarters  Depart- 
ment of  Virginia  will  l»c  sent  you  from  Richmond.     You  will  conform  to  them. 

You  are  not  to  use  United  States  troops  as  a  police  force,  but  to  act  solely  in  aid  and  in 
subordination  to  tlie  civil  authority,  and  to  act  thus  only  when  so  ordered  from  depart- 
ment headquarters,  save  in  cases  of  extreme-  emergency  not  admitting  of  sufficient  de- 
lay to  communicate  by  telegraph. 
Acknowledge  receipt. 
By  command  of  Brevet  Major  General  McDowell : 

C.  McKEEVElf. 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Official : 

C.  McKKKVKi:, 

Anslnlant  Adjutant  General. 


[Telegram.  1 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  mi:  EAST. 

AV»r  Ynrk  City,  May  12, 1870. 
COMMANDING  OFFICEH  POST  OF  RAI.I-:II:II.  .\<>rth  Carolina: 

Order  one  of  the  companies  now  at  Raleigh  to  proceed  to  and  take  post  temporarily 
at   Graham.  Alamauce  County,  North  Carolina. 
Give  the  officer  commanding  it,  for  his  government,  a  copy  of  the  orders  and  instruc- 

S,  Ex,  16,  pt.  2 -3 


34  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

tions  you  will  receive  from  Richmond,  and  a  copy  of  the  orders  given  you  by  telegraph 
from  these  headquarters. 

See  that  the  detached  company  is  supplied  from  Raleigh. 
Acknowledge  receipt,  and  report  action  in  pursuance  hereof. 
Bv  command  of  Brevet  Major  General  McDowell : 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Official : 

C.  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  May  12,  1870. 
Governor  W.  W.  HOLDEN,  Raleigh,  North  Carolina  : 

Your  letter  received.    Am  authorized  to  send  a  company  to  Graham,  and  orders  have 
been  sent  to  commanding  officer  at  Raleigh  accordingly. 

IRVIN  MCDOWELL, 

Brevet  Major  General,  Commanding  Department. 
Official : 

C.  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  June  (5,  1870. 

COLONEL  :  Referring  to  your  indorsement  of  the  24th  ultimo  in  the  communication 
of  the  adjutant  general  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  (General  O.  W.  Foster,)  re- 
questing that  a  detachment  of  troops  might  be  sent  to  Caswell  County,  I  am  instructed 
by  the  department  commander  to  say,  that  if,  on  consultation  with  the  State  authori- 
ties at  Raleigh,  you  are  satisfied  that  troops  are  more  needed  in  Caswell  County  than 
at  Raleigh,  yon  will  send  your  company  to  that  county,  retaining  the  detachment  of 
the  Fourth  Artillery  at  the  post  of  Raleigh. 

You  will  give  the  officer  in  command  of  your  company  instructions    such'  as  have 
heretofore  been  given  to  the  officer  in  command  of  the  troops  at  Graham. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  ROYAL  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding  Post  of  IMeigh,  N.  C. 
Official : 

C.    McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  June  22,  1870. 
Colonel  FRANK,  Commanding  at  Raleigh,  North  Carolina  : 

Comply  with  all  requisitions  of  United  States  marshal  and  district  attorney  for 
troops  to  enforce  United  States  laws.  Make  detailed  report  of  circumstances,  so  that 
proper  judgment  can  be  formed  of  the  necessity  for  United  States  civil  officers  requir- 
ing military  aid. 

By  command  of  Brevet  Major  General  McDowell : 

JOHN  H.  COSTER, 
Brevet  Captain  U.  S,  Army,  Aide-de-Camp. 
Official : 

C.  McKKEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  35 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  July  13,  1870. 

COLONEL  :  In  reply  to  your  communication  of  the  llth  instant,  reporting  the  circum- 
stances connected  with  the  detail  l>y  you  of  a  military  force  to  aid  the  United  Slates 
marshal  in  arresting  certain  persons  diarized  with  violating  section  (>  of  the  act 
approved  May  :>1.  1^70,  and  inclosing  a  co|>y  of  your  instnictions  on  the  subject  to  First 
Lieutenant  .).  W.  Powell,  Eighth  Infantry,  I  am  directed  by  the  department  com- 
mander to  say  that  the  instructions  are  considered  well  drawn  and  sufficient  for  the 
purpose. 

I  am  further  directed  to  say  that  you  did  right  in  referring  the  question  to  depart- 
ment.headquarters,  if  the  case  uvr.v  such  as  to  admit  of  the  delay  this  would  require. 
The  telegram  of  the  7th  was  sent  under  the  impression  that  the  case  did  not  admit  of 
such  delay. 

The  printed  circular  from  Richmond  will  be  the  rule  to  follow. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  T.  FRANK, 

Captain  Eighth  U.  S.  Infantry,  Commanding  Post  of  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Official : 

C.    McKEEVEIt, 

Assistant  Adjutant  Genei-al. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OP  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  July  18,  1870. 
Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  T.  FRANK,  U.  S.  A., 

Raleigh,  North  Carolina : 

In  reply  to  your  telegram  of  the  15th  instant  the  department  commander  directs  me 
to  send  you  the  following  instructions  received  from  division  headquarters : 

"When  called  upon  by  a  United  States  marshal,  or  other  competent  civil  authority, 
for  troops  to  aid  in  the  enforcement  of  the  laws,  instead  of  merely  telegraphing  that 
fact  the  post  commander  should  state  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  appli- 
cafion,  and  his  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  furnishing  the  detail,  as  without  these 
there  is  nothing  on  which  the  general  can  base  intelligent  action. 

"  The  general  is  desirous  the  troops  should  only  be  employed  when  their  services 
are  imperatively  necessary,  and  after  the  civil  authorities  have  exhausted  all  other 
measures. 

"In  this  instance  there  is  no  evidence  the  marshal  made  any  effort  to  make  the  arrests 
previous  to  calling  on  the  United  States  troops  to  aid  him.  Evidence  of  the  marshal's 
inability  to  execute  the  process  with  which  he  is  charged,  or  of  resistance  to  the  exe- 
cution of  such  process,  should  precede  or  at  least  be  presented  with  the  application  for 
troops." 

You  will  govern  yourself  accordingly.    Acknowledge  receipt. 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Official : 

C.  MCKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


ITelegram.J 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  Jvhj  25,  1870. 
Brevet  Colonel  FRANK, 

Eighth  Infantry,  Commanding  Raldgh,  North  Carolina  : 

Orders  given  to-day  for  three  companies  from  Fort  McHenry  to  proceed  immediately 
to  Raleigh,  North  Carolina.     Make  preparations  for  them. 

When  you  telegraph  hereafter  in  relation  to  any  matter  concerning  the  use  of  troops 
give  also  always  your  opinion,  as  ordered  from  division  headquarters. 

What  is  your  own  judgment  as  to  the  need  of  troops  to  aid  Colonel  Kirk  ? 
What  prisoners,  made  under  the  process  of  law,  have  there  been  made?   where  are 
they  ?    Be  full  and  explicit ;  I  have  no  information  except  what  is  in  the  newspapers. 


36  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

If  the  case  is  one  which,  under  the  instructions  given  in  circular  from  Richmond  and 
orders  from  division  headquarters,  United  States  troops  can  be  employed,  and  does  not 
admit  of  delay,  act  according  to  your  own  judgment.  Otherwise  state  the  case  fully 
for  instructions. 

IRVIN  MCDOWELL, 

Brevet  Major  General,  Commanding  Department. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  July  27,  1870. 
COMMANDING  OFFICER,  Post  of  Raleigh,  Raleiqh,  North  Carolina  : 

The  following  letter  from  headquarters  of  the  Army  is  sent  for  your  information  and 
government : 

"Referring  to  telegram  of  22d  instant,  directing  that  six  companies  of  troops  be  sent 
to  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  the  General  of  the  Army,  in  accordance  with  instructions 
from  the  President,  directs  that  these  troops  be  held  in  readiness  to  preserve  the  peace 
and  enforce  the  laws  in  case  their  services  should  be  required. 

"  E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

"Adjutant  General." 

C.  McKEEVER, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  August  9,  1870. 

COLONEL:  I  am  directed  by  the  department  commander  to  inclose  you  a  copy  of  a 
communication  from  Headquarters  Military  Division  of  the  Atlantic,  in  reference  to  the 
services  of  the  companies  of  artillery  recently  sent  to  North  Carolina,  and  to  say  that, 
in  accordance  with  the  suggestions  of  the  General  of  the  Army,  you  will  order  the  seven 
companies  of  artillery  sent  to  North  Carolina  into  camp,  or  dispose  of  them  in  such  a 
manner  that  they  can  be  withdrawn  without  attracting  much  notice. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Colonel  H.  J.  HUNT,  Fifth  U.  S.  Artillery, 

Commanding  District  of  North  Carolina,  Raleigh,  Xorth  Carolina. 


[Telegram.] 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  EAST, 

New  York  City,  August  11,  1870. 
Colonel  HENRY  J.  HUNT,  Fifth  U.  S.  Artillery, 

Commanding  District  of  North  Carolina,' Raleigh,  North  Carolina  : 

The  department  comm&nder  directs  me  to  send  you  for  your  information  and  gov- 
ernment the  following,  received  from  division  headquarters: 

"HEADQUARTERS  DIVISION  OF  ATLANTIC, 

"Philadelphia,  August  10,  1870. 
"General  MCDOWELL,  New  York  City  : 

"  Major  General  Meade  desires  you  to  telegraph  Colonel  Hunt  that  his  letter  of  the 
4th  instant  has  been  sent  to  the  Commauder-iu-Chief  for  special  instructions.  In  their 
absence,  in  cases  where  his  instructions  do  not  clearly  require  his  obeying  calls  from 
civil  authorities,  he  will  confine  the  use  of  the  troops  to  preserving  the  peace,  that  is 
preventing  riot  and  bloodshed,  regardless  of  the  points  of  law  involved. 

"  This  morning's  telegrams  announce  that  writs  of  habeas  corpus  have  been  issued  by 
the  United  States  district  judge,  which  it  is  hoped  will  transfer  the  conflict  to  a  neutral 
and  unprejudiced  tribunal,  and  settle  the  question  at  issue  without  resort  to  force. 

"  R.  C.  DRUM, 
"Assistant  Adjutant  General" 

Acknowledge  receipt. 

JOHN  H.  COSTER, 
First  Lieutenant,  A.  D.  C.,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  37 

HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  TIIK  EAST. 

^V«r  York  City,  Abrrmbcr  5ft».  1870. 

I  atn  instructed  by  the  department  commander  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  of  the  "24 th  instant,  reporting  tin-  state  of  affairs  in  Robeson  County, 
&c.,  and  to  say  that  you  will  govern  yourself  strictly  according  to  the  instructions  con- 
tained iu  the  circular  dated  Headquarters  Department  of  Virginia,  March  4,  1870,  a 
copy  of  which  was  sent  you  on  the  12th  instant. 

I  am  further  directed  to  say  that  it  is  your  duty  to  aid  the  civil  authorities,  not  to 
supplant  them,  or  do  their  duty  in  any  respect.  The  arrests  must  be  made  under  civil 
process,  and  by  civil  officers. 

V«-ry  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  McKEEVEK, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 
Captain  EVAN  THOMAS. 

fourth  United  States  Artillery,  Commandinf/  United  States  Troops, 

Lumberton,  llobeson  County,  Xorth  Carolina. 


HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  TIIF.  EAST. 

Xcir  York  City,  December  1,  1870. 

CAPTAIN:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  comninnicat ion  of 
the  29th  ultimo,  in  reference  to  affairs  in  Robeson  County,  North  Carolina,  and  am 
directed  by  the  department  commander  to  reply  as  follows: 

You  say :  "The  commander  should  have  power  to  arrest  whom  he  pleases  on  sus- 
picion. The  families  of  the  robbers  ought  at  least  to  be  arrested ;"  and  further,  that  if 
you  are  "kept  here,"  [there]  under  the  restrictions  against  infringement  upon  civil 
law.  that  as  I  am  [you  are]  now,  I  [yon]  "can  do  very  little  toward  ridding  the 
country  of  the  robbers  and  murderers;"  that  "a  great  many  of  the  citizens  have  asked 
me  [you]  to  take  matters  iu  my  [your]  hands,  and  seem  willing  to  he  partly  under  mar- 
tial law,  if  there  is  any  chance  of  being  freed  from  the  midnight  visits  of  these  robbers." 

I  am  instructed  by  the  department  commander  to  say  that  there  is  no  warrant  under 
our  Government,  and  in  time  of  peace,  for  any  one  to  give  you  the  power  to  arrest 
whom  you  please  on  suspicion,  or  because  it  might  facilitate  the  arrest  of  the  guilty, 
to  authorize  you  to  arrest  their,  perhaps,  innocent  families. 

More  than  that,  he  does  not  expect,  or  direct,  or  authorize  you,  as  an  officer  of  the 
Army,  and  of  your  oir«  motion,  to  arrest  any  one  whomsover,  but  to  do  so  only  under  the 
direction  of  the  civil  authority,  and  as  a  part  of  its  posse.  He  cannot  authorize  you  to 
place  any  portion  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina  under  martial  law.  even  with  consent 
of  many,  or  indeed  of  all  the  citizens.  This  is  authority  that  can  neither  be  assumed 
nor  granted  by  any  one  in  the  military  service.  What  yon  are  responsible  for,. and  all 
you  are  responsible  for,  is  to  conform  strictly  with  the  orders  given  you  in  the  circular 
of  March  4,  1870,  from  Headquarters  Department  of  Virginia,  which  were  reiterated  in 
my  letter  of  the  x!iMh  ultimo,  and,  as  a  captain  in  the  Army,  to  keep  your  men  in  good 
condition,  well  cared  for,  well  instructed,  well  disciplined* and  always  on  hand,  ready 
to  do  their  duty  as  soldiers  in  the  way  and  to  the  extent  they  may  be  ordered,  and  no 
further. 

The  department  commander  is  thus  explicit  that  you  may  not  involve  yourself  or 
the  service  in  any  way  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to  support  you.  It  is  the 
civil  authority  that  must  take  the  initiative  in  the  matter;  you  are  to  simply  aid  them 
in  the  way  before  ordered. 

Very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

C.  McKEEVER, 
Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Captain  EVAN  THOMAS. 

fourth  Artillery,  Cunimanilins  Post  of  Lumberton, 

llobeison  County,  Xorth  Carolina. 

Official  copies  : 

E.  D.  TOWXSEX1), 

Adjutant  dim  nil. 


HI-AIX/I  AI:TKRS  DEPARTMENT  OF  Viiii;iM\. 

mi-lnnoud,  nrgiiiiii,  .)/«/•••/.  S  1-7". 

SIB:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  for  the  information  of  the  major  general  command- 
ing the  division,  copies  of  several  papers  in  relation  to  troubles  that  have  already 
occurred,  and  others  that  are  threatened  in  North  Carolina. 


38  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL   PERSONS. 

The  governor  of  that  State,  through  his  adjutant  general,  has  to-day  applied  to  mo 
for  troops  to  aid  in  the  suppression  of  this  attempted  or  anticipated  insurrection,  and. 
has  been  advised  that  the  authority  for  such  employment  of  the  troops  must  come 
from  the  President,  upon  the  application  of  the  legislature,  if  it  be  in  session,  and  if 
not.  upon  tlie  application  of  the  governor;  and  that  under  existing  laws  and  in- 
structions, without  such  authority,  nothing  more  could  be  done  than  to  put  the  troops 
so  as  to  give  moral  support  to  the  civil  authorities  in  the  performance  of  their  duties, 
and  that  they  could  not  be  used  as  a  police  force,  or  made  to  take  the  place  of,  or  give 
active  aid  to,  the  civil  authorities,  except  in  such  an  emergency  as  would  justify  their 
being  summoned  and  used  as  a  part  of  the  posse  comitatux. 

I  do  not  find,  in  the  reports  which  I  have  received,  or  in  the  statements  made  by  the 
adjutant  general  of  the  governor,  such  a  state  of  facts  as  would  show  that  an  insur- 
rection exists,  or  is  imminent.  The  organization  of  the  Ku-Klux  in  Alamance  and 
neighboring  counties  is  no  doubt  formidable,  and  the  outrages  committed  and  threatened 
by  them  are  horrible,  but  the  presence  of  the  troops  sent  to  Graham  ought  to  restore 
confidence,  and  inspire  the  civil  authorities  with  some  degree  of  energy  and  activity. 

I  have  instructed  Colonel  Haymau  to  keep  me  constantly  advised,  by  telegraph,  of 
everything  important  that  transpires,  and  will  hold  troops  in  readiness  to  move,  if  it 
should  be  necessary. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

ED.  R.  S.  CANBY, 
Brevet  Major  General  United  States  Army,  Commanding. 

ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT  GENERAL, 

Headquarter*  Military  Division  of  the  Atlantic,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania, 


HEADQUARTERS  MILITARY  DIVISION  OF  THE  ATLANTIC. 

Philadelphia,  rennxHlrania,  March  II,  1870. 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army,  for  the  information  of 
the  General  of  the  Army  and  the  Secretary  of  War.  General  Canby  has  been  informed 
that  I  concur  in  the  views  expressed  in  his  letter. 

GEO.  G.  MEADE, 
Major  General,  Commanding. 


HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 

ll'a*liington,  D.  C.,  March  15,  1870. 

Respectfully  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  for  the  orders  of  the  President. 
General  Canby  has  in  his  department  one  regiment  of  infantry  and  one  of  artillery. 
The  mere  posting  of  troops  in  a  disaffected  district  may  be  enough,  but  the  time  may 
come  when  troops  may  have  to  use  their  arms,  and  the  responsibility  ought  not  to  rest 
on  the  officer  in  immediate  command. 

W.  T.  SHERMAN,  General. 

The  Secretary  of  War  directs  that  a  few  companies  he  sent  to  the  district  in  insur- 
rection. 

ED.  SCHRIVER, 

Inspector  General. 
MARCH  16,  1870. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  GRAHAM, 

Graham,  X.  C.,  March  4,  1870. 

COLONEL:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  arrived  herewith  detachment  yester- 
day, at  4  o'clock  p.  in.,  and  encamped  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  southeast  of  the  town. 
I  find  the  loyal  people  of  this  place  in  a  high  state  of  excitement,  owing  to  recent  and 
threatening  outrages  perpetrated  by  a  band  of  outlaws  styling  themselves  "Ku-Klux 
Klan."  On  Saturday  night  last  a  gang  of  about  one  hundred  entered  the  town  and 
took  a  mulatto  man  from  his  bed  and  hung  him  to  a  tree  in  the  court-house  square, 
and  the  lives  of  several  others  threatened.  Several  parties  called  upon  me  to-day  and 
asked  for  a  guard  to  protect  them.  One  George  Boon,  residing  at  the  Company  Shops, 
about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  this  place,  received  a.  notice  this  morning  warning 
him  of  the  danger  that  he  is  in,  which  I  herewith  inclose.  Mr.  Boon  is  .1  respectable 
citizen,  is  in  the  employ  of  the  railroad  company,  and  postmaster  at  that  place.  Ife 
goes  to  Raleigh  to-night  to  see  the  governor.  Mr.  Albright,  a  justice  of  the  peace  of  this 
phice,  and  a  Mr.  Holt,  also  received  notice  that  they  would  call  for  them  on  Saturday 
night  to  hang  them,  and  for  no  offense  other  than  their  republican  sentiments.  A  paper 
was  phmed  on  the  coat  of  the  man  that  was  hung,  saying,  ••  Beware,  you  guilty,  both 
white  and  black!"  Several  parties,  both  white  and  black,  have  been  cruelly  whipped, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  39 

and  one  white  man,  named  John  Overman,  ha<l  his  head  shaved,  and  most  shamefully 
whipped,  and  then  threatened  his  life  if  lie  told  of  it.  That  with  many  other  similar 
acts  have  never  heen  reported  to  the  authorities.  Other  parties  knowing  the  facts  did 
not  (hire  report  it  for  fear  of  being  treated  in  the  same  manner.  There  is  a  meeting  of 
the  citizens  of  the  county  called  to-morrow  at  this  place,  as  they  say,  for  the  purpose 
of  condemning  and  discountenancing  the  action  of  the  mob  on  Saturday  night.  I  am 
unable  to  say  what  e fleet  the  presence  of  troops  may  have  upon  them.  It  is  my  opin- 
ion that  a  large  number  of  troops  will  be  required  in  this  vicinity  to  protect  the  loyal 
citi/ens  from  this  organized  band  of  outlaws. 

It  was  lirst  reported  to  me  that  the  leader  of  the  band,  "  K.  K.  K.,"  is  in  town  ;  his 
name  is  .Moore. 

It  is  well  known  here  that  he  is  their  leader,  and  yet  he  goes  boldly  about  town,  and 
no  one  dares  to  interfere  with  him.  Many  of  the  people  here  tell  me  that  they  are  as 
well  orgaui'/ed  as  our  Army.  No  arrests  have  been  made  for  any  of  the  above-named 
offenses.  Tliis  baud  of  outlaws  is  said  to  be  about  880  strong  in  this  county.  There 
was  about  100  in  the  party  that  was  here  Saturday  night.  They  all  wear  white  gowns 
and  paper  hats,  and  are  all  masked;  their  horses  are  all  dressed  in  white.  I  will 
advise  yon  of  all  matters  of  importance  as  they  occur. 
Very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  McTAGGART, 
Lieutenant  Seventeenth  Regiment  U.  >'.  Infantry, 

Commanding  Detachment  Seventeenth  Infantry. 
Colonel  S.  B.  HAYMAX. 

Commanding  Post  of  Raleigh,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 

Official : 

A.  S.  M.  TAYLOR, 

First  Lieutenant  Seventeenth  Infantry,  Post  Adjutant. 
Official  copy : 

LOUIS  V.  CAZIARC, 
Aide-de-Camp,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  Central. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH,  N.  C., 

Raleigh,  N.  C.,  March  5,  1870. 

SIR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  herewith  a  copy  of  an  official  report  received  this 
date  from  Lieutenant  C.  P.  MeTaggart,  Seventeenth  Infantry,  commanding  sub-post 
of  (iraham,  Alamauce  County.  North  Carolina,  accompanied  with  the  original  inclosures. 
In  view  of  the  disturbed  condition  of  affairs  throughout  the  State,  and  the  urgent 
necessity  which  may  soou  arise  to  enforce  martial  law,  I  consider  it  my  duty  to  make 
a  special  report  of  the  condition  of  my  command. 

Company  K.  Seventeenth  Infantry,  is  so  reduced  iu  numbers  as  to  greatly  impair  its 
fliciency.  while  Company  F  is  largely  made  up  of  recruits,  who  are  without  proper 
iistinetion;  hence  it  will  be  seen  that  the  garrison  at  the  present  time  is  scarcely 
ompetent  to  perform  the  duty  likely  to  be  required  as  above  indicated. 
The  governor  will  probably  declare  martial  law  on  the  7th  instant,  in  Alamance 
'oiinty.  and  it  is  therefore,  in  my  opinion,  necessary  to  hold  all  the  available  troops 
u  the  department  in  readiness  to  move  promptly. 

I  shall  use  as  many  troops  from  my  post  as  can  possibly  be  spared,  but  respectfully 
recommend  that  such  additional  force  may  be,  placed  at  my  disposal  as  will  enable  me, 
when  martial  law  is  proclaimed,  to  arrest  the  criminals  concerned  in  the  murders  and 
outrages  in  Alamance  County,  in  case  of  resistance,  which  is  fully  anticipated. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respectfnllv,  vour  obedient  servant, 

S.  B.   HAYMAX. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Scrcntrenth  Regiment  Infantry, 

Brevet  Colonel  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding  Post. 
Ollieial  copy  : 

LOUIS  V.  CAZIARC, 

Aid,  de-Camp,  and  Acting  Axxixtant  Adjutant  C<,ta;il. 
J-'ir>t  Lieutenant  L.  V.  CA/.IAIIC. 

A.  l>.  C.  mid  A.  A.  A.  C.  Department  of  Hrginia,  Richmond,  Vn. 


AIMTKS    1'oST    <>T    (il.'AIIVM. 

Crnlin.m,  \.  <'..  March  ti,  1870. 
C 
my 


COLONEL:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  action  of  the  Ku-Klux  in  this  vicinity  since 
y  last   report.     They  visited  the  Company  Shops   on   Friday  night,  and  went  to  the 


40  OUTEAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

house  of  Mr.  Boon,  the  gentleman  whose  life  they  threatened  the  night  before ;  not 
finding  him  ut  home  they  went  away  without  doing  any  damage.  Mr.  Boon  returned 
from  Raleigh  this  morning,  and  has  just  left  this  camp.  He  says  he  is  afraid  to  go 
home.  The  meeting  held  here  yesterday  by  the  citizens  did  iiot  amount  to  anything ; 
there  was  quite  a  large  gathering ;  their  object  was  to  denounce  the  action  of  the  mob. 
or  gang  of  outlaws,  and  to  pass  resolutions  of  that  kind,  and  to  have  them  published 
to  make  people  think  that  this  was  only  an  individual  case,  so  as  to  prevent  any  report 
of  it;  but  after  finding  that  it  had  been  reported  and  troops  already  here,  they  talked 
the  matter  over  outside  of  the  court-house,  and  did  not  even  call  the  meeting  to  order. 
Most  of  them  either  belonged  to  the  gang  or  were  their  friends  ;  the  mass  of  them  were 
very  indignant  at  the  sight  of  the  soldiers.  Moore,  the  leader  of  the  gang,  told  Mr. 
Barbara,  a  loyal  man,  that  it  was  the  fault  of  five  men  in  this  town,  this  case,  that  the 

d d  blue-coated  sous  of  bitches  were  brought  here.     He  managed  to  get  in  a  light 

with  Mr.  Barham  before  he  left,  and  beat  him  very  bad ;  the  people  tell  me  one  of  his 
legs  is  broken.  I  have  not  seen  him  since.  I  was  told  yesterday  of  several  mur- 
ders they  had  committed  within  the  last  few  months,  and  none  of  them  were  reported 
to  the  authorities. 

Two  colored  men  came  to  me  yesterday  and  told  me  that  they  had  not  slept  in  their 
own  house  for  over  a  month,  they  having  been  taken  out  some  time  before  and 
whipped.  A  few  nights  ago  they  left  a  coffin  at  Esquire  McAdam's  door,  and  fired 
three  shots,  and  then  rode  off.  They  left  a  note  on  his  gate,  saying,  "  Beware,  ye 
guilty!"  also  saying  if  the  coffin  did  not  fit  they  would  bring  him  one  on  Friday  night 
that  would.  I  inclose  one  of  their  fine  specimens  that  was  put  up  on  the  door  of  the 
clerk's  office  in  the  court-house.  The  colored  school  is  broken  up,  and  the  teacher  left 
town.  They  gave  out  notice  yesterday  that  they  would  call  in  after  one  white  man 
and  one  colored  man  to  hang  them.  Many  of  the  citizens  thought  they  intended  to 
attack  the  camp.  We  were  up  and  under  arms  all  night,  praying  that  they  might 
come;  but  morning  came,  and  no  Ku-Klux.  I  have  a  sufficient  force  to  keep  them  out 
of  the  town  ;  but  unless  there  are  some  steps  taken  to  arrest  them,  they  can  go  about 
the  county  committing  depredations  with  impunity.  It  is  my  opinion  that  the  only 
way  they  {'an  be  found  out  is  through  detectives  and  troops  stationed  at  two  or  three 
different  places,  with  instructions  to  fire  upon  and  capture  any  gang  of  them  they  may 
see.  I  was  at  a  loss  last  night  whether  to  attack  them,  if  they  came  in  town  and  did 
not  offer  to  molest  me,  or  not ;  but  I  had  made  up  my  mind  if  any  armed  body  of  men 
came  in  disguise,  whether  peaceable  or  not,  to  arrest  them  ;  and  if  they  refused  to  sur- 
render, to  fire  on  them,  knowing  full  well  that  they  were  a  gang  of  outlaws.  This 
gang  never  disturbs  the  peace  more  than  one  hour  at  a  time,  and  that  is  in  the  dead 
hour  of  night.  They  steal  in  on  their  victim,  gag  him,  take  him  out  and  hang  him,  and 
even  his  nearest  neighbors  would  not  know  for  some  time.  I  think  the  presence  of 
troops  here  will  have  a  good  effect.  I  have  no  doubt  but  they  would  have  been  in 
here  last  night,  had  it  not  been  for  our  presence  here. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  P.  McTAGGART, 
Lieutenant  Seventeenth  Infantry,  Commanding  1'ost. 

Colonel  S.  B.  HA\MAX, 

Commanding  Post  of  Raleigh,  Raleigh,  X.  C. 

Official  copy : 

A.  H.  M.  TAYLOR, 

First  Lieutenant  Seventeenth  Infantry,  Pout  Adjutant. 

Official  copy : 

LOUIS  V.  CAZIARC, 

Aide-de-Camp  and  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 


HEADQUARTERS  POST  OF  RALEIGH, 

Jlulviylt,  North  Carolina,  March  7, 1870. 

SIR:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of  a  communication  from  Lieu- 
tenant C.  P.  McTaggart,  Seventeenth  United  States  Infantry,  of  the  (ith  instant,  for  the 
information  of  the  brevet  major  general  commanding  Department  of  Virginia.  This 
report 'is  fully  confirmed  by  respectable  citizens. 

The  governor  will  probably  issue  a  proclamation  to-day  declaring  Alamance  County 
in  a  state  of  insurrection,  anil  I  therefore  respectfully  request  that  an  additional  force 
of  at,  least  two  hundred  men  be  sent  to  this  State,  and  be  directed  to  proceed  to  such 
points  as  the  general  may  select  in  Alamance  county,  where  the  civil  authorities  are 
openly  defied,  and  murder  and  other  outrages  perpetrated  upon  loyal  people  with  im- 
punity. 

It  is  apprehended  that  the  necessary  arrests  cannot  be  made  without  a  collision  with 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  41 

an  organi/ed  fore.'  engaged  iu  sedition  ;  hence  the  necessity  of  more  troops  to  sustain 
the  honor  and  dignity  of  the  Government;  and  I  further  recommend  that  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  in  Alamance  County  be  suspended  by  the  proper  authority  until  the 
insurrection  is  suppressed. 

A  sergeant  and  ten  men  will  he  sent  to-night  to  the  Company  Shops,  about  two  miles 
west  of  Graham,  to  protect  the  postmaster  and  other-citi/.ens  at  that  place.  I  have  in- 
structed Lieutenant  McTaggart  to  do  nothing  to  provoke  an  attack,  but  to  protect  to 
the  extent  of  his  power  all  citizens  against  assault  and  outrage. 

No  information  or  orders  relating  to  the  insurrectionists  should  be  sent  by  telegraph, 
as  it  will  probably  be  communicated  to  them. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respect  full  v,  yonr  obedient  servant. 

S.   15.   HAYMAX. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Serenteenth  I'nllnl  Matt*  Infantry, 

Brevet  Colonel  United  /Slates  Army,  Commanding  Post. 
Lieutenant  Lorrs  V.  CA/IAI:*-, 

A.  l>.  (.'.  and  A.  A.  A.  G.  Department  of  Virginia,  Richmond,  Virginia. 

Official  cony : 

LOUIS  V.  CAZIARC, 
Aide-de-Camp  and  Acting  Atmistant  Adjutant  General. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

Raleiyli,  Van-It  7, 1870. 

ORDERED  :  General  A.  W.  Fisher,  adjutant  general  of  North  Carolina,  will  immedi- 
ately report  in  person  to  Major  General  Canby, 'commanding  department  at  Richmond, 
Virginia,  and  state  to  the  general  commanding  the  inability  of  the  civil  authorities  to 

{protect  life  and  property  in  several  counties  in  this  State,  and  earnestly  request  that  u 
arger  force  of  United  States  troops  be  sent  here  at  once. 

\Y.  W.  HOLDEN,  Governor. 
[Great  seal  of  the  State  of  North  Carolina.] 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Jlaleigli,  March  10,  1870. 

Silt  :  I  have  felt  it  to  be  my  duty  to  declare  the  county  of  Alamance,  in  this  State,  in 
a  state  of  insurrection. 

The  copy  of  my  proclamation,  herewith  inclosed,  of  date  March  7,  1870,  contains 
some  of  the  reasons  for  this  step. 

There  exists  in  this  State  a  secret,  oath-bound,  armed  organization,  which  is  hostile 
to  the  State  government,  and  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  l.ands  of  these, 
armed  men  ride  at  night  through  various  neighborhoods,  whipping  and  maltreating 
peaceable  citi/ens.  hanging  some,  burning  churches,  and  breaking  up  schools  which 
have  been  established  for  the  colored  people.  These  outrages  are  almost  invariably 
committed  on  persons,  white  and  colored,  who  are  most  devoted  in  their  feelings  and 
conduct  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

I  cannot  rely  upon  the  militia  to  repress  these  outrages,  for  the  reason  that  in  the 
localities  in  which  these  outrages  occur  white  militia  of  the  proper  character  cannot, 
be  obtained,  and  it  would  but  aggravate  the  evil  to  employ  colored  militia.  Besides, 
the  expense  of  calling  out  the  militia  would  be  greater  than  our  people  could  well  hear 
in  their  present  impoverished'  condition.  Federal  troops  inspire  terror  among  evil- 
doers, and  they  have  the  confidence  and  respect  of  a  majority  of  our  people.  We, 
therefore  look  to,  and  rely  on,  the  Federal  Government  to  aid  us  in  repressing  these 
outrages  and  in  restoring  peace  and  good  order. 

If  Congress  would  authorize  the  suspension  by  the  President  of  the  writ  of  habeas 
corpus  in  certain  localities,  and  if  criminals  could  be  arrested  and  tried  before  military 
tribunals  and  shot,  we  should  soon  have  peace  and  order  throughout  all  this  country. 
The  remedy  would  be  a  sharp  and  bloody  one,  but  it  is  as  indispensable  as  was  tho 
.suppression  of  the  rebellion. 

I  trust,  sir,  that  you  will  issue  to  the  commanding  general  of  this  department  as 
stringent  orders  in  this  matter  as  the  present  laws  will  allow.  The  commanding  gen- 
eral lias  been  prompt  to  respond  to  the  extent  of  the  power  which  he  has.  but  I  tear 
this  power  will  not  be  adequate  to  effect  the  desired  result. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  a  copy  of  the  State  law  under  which  my  proclamation  was 
issued.  Also,  a  pamph'ot  containing  the  testimony  of  witnesses  in  the  preliminary  ex- 
amination of  the  Lenoir  County  prisoners,  which  will  afford  some  idea  of  the  organi/.a- 
tiou  and  objects  of  the  Ku-Klux  Klau. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  HOLDEN,  Governor. 

His  Excellency  Tin:  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


42  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

[Telegram.] 

GENERAL  CANBY  : 

In  reply  to  your  dispatches  concerning  troubles  in  North  Carolina,  the  Secretary  of 
War  desires  that  a  few  companies  be  sent  to  the  district  in  insurrection,  which  you 
will  do. 
By  command  of  General  Sherman : 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Adjutant  General. 


AN  ACT  to  secure  the  better  protection  of  life  and  property. 

,  SECTION  1.  The  general  assembly  of  North  Carolina  do  enact,  That  the  governor  is 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  whenever  in  his  .judgment  the  civil  authorities  in 
any  county  are  unable  to  protect  its  citizens  in  the  enjoyment  of  life  and  property,  to 
declare  such  county  to  be  in  a  state  of  insurrection,  and  to  call  into  active  service  the 
militia  of  the  State  to  such  an  extent  as  may  become  necessary  to  suppress  such  insur- 
rection; and  in  such  case  the  governor  is  further  authorixed  to  call  upon  the  President 
for  such  assistance,  if  any,  as  in  his  judgment  may  be  necessary  to  enforce  the  law. 

SEC.  2.  That  upon  motion  of  a  solicitor  of  a  district,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  judge 
thereof  to  remove  the  trial  of  any  person  who  has  been,  or  who  hereafter  may  be,  in- 
dicted in  any  county  in  the  State  for  murder,  conspiracy,  or  violation  of  an  act  entitled 
"An  act  making  the  act  of  going  masked,  disguised,  or  painted,  a  felony,"  ratified  the 
twelfth  day  of  April,  anno  Domini  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-nine,  from 
the  county  in  which  such  offense  may  have  been  committed  to  such  other  county  in 
his  district,  or  adjoining  district,  as  the  solicitor  may  designate ;  and  any  judge  before 
whom  such  case  is  pending  mr.y,  upon  liis  own  motion,  make  such  removal. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  expenses  attending  the  calling  of  the  militia  into  actual  service,  as 
herein  provided,  shall  be  paid  by  the  treasurer  of  the  State,  upon  the  warrant  of  the 
governor;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioners  of  the  county  declared  to  be  in, 
a  state  of  insurrection,  and  in  which  such  service  was  rendered,  to  reimburse,  within 
one  year,  the  treasurer  of  the  State  the  expenses  thus  paid  :  1'rorhinl,  That  whenever 
a  person  or  persons  shall  be  convicted  of  a  violation  of  any  offense  mentioned  in  section 
second  of  this  act,  said  expenses  of  the  militia  shall  be  taxed  in  the  bill  of  costs  against 
the  person  or  persons  convicted,  and  when  collected  the  same  shall  be  paid  in  to  the 
treasurer  of  the  county. 

SEC.  4.  That  the  cost,  on  conviction  under  an  indictment  in  section  second  of  this  act, 
shall  be  paid  by  the,  commissioners  of  the  county  where  the  offense  was  committed,  on 
the  certificate  of  the  clerk  of  the  court  where  Ihe  trial  may  be  had,  and  if  necessary, 
said  commissioners  shall  levy  a  tax  for  that  purpose  on  all  subjects  of  taxation  in  said 
county,  and  execution  in  favor  of  said  county  shall  issue  against  the  property  of  the 
person  convicted  for  the  cost  as  aforesaid. 

SEC.  5.  That  all  laws  and  clauses  of  laws  in  conflict  with  this  act  are  hereby  repealed. 

SEC.  (5.  That  this  act  shall  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  ratification. 

Ratified  the  23th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1870. 

JO.  W.  HOLDEN, 

X]H'<iI:'cr  of  House. 
TOD.  R.  CALDWELL, 

President  of  Senate. 

STATE  OF  Noimi  CAROLINA,  OFFICE  SKCRKTAKY  or  STATE, 

llaldyh,  Frhniary  3,  1870. 

I,  Henry  J.  Menninger,  secretary  of  state,  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true 
copy  of  the  original  act  on  file  in  this  office. 

H.  J.  MENNINGER, 

Secretary  of  State. 


AN  ACT  to  prescribe  the  power  and  dnty  of  the  Governor  in  respcet  to  fugitives  from  justice. 

SECTION  1.  The  general  assembly  of  North  Carolina  do  enact.  That  the  governor,  on 
information  made  to  him  of  any  person  having  committed  a  felony,  and  of  having  lied 
to  parts  unknown,  whether  within  or  without  the  jurisdiction  of  the  State,  may  issue 
his  proclamation,  and  therein  offer  a  reward  not  exceeding  five;  hundred  dollars,  accord- 
ing to  the  nature  of  the,  case,  for  the  apprehension  and  delivery  of  such  fugitives  to 
any  common  jail  in  the  State. 

SEC.  2.  That  the  reward  authorized  in  the  preceding  section  shall  be  paid  to  Ihe  per- 
son or  persons  who  may  arrest  and  cause  to  be  committed  such  fugitive;  but  no  part 
thereof  shall  be  paid  to  any  sheriff  or  other  peace  officer  whose  duty  it  is  by  law  to 
pursue  and  arrest  felons  fleeing  from  justice,  and  whom  the  governor,  on  satisfactory 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  43 

evidence,  may  deem  to  have  been  guilty  of  a  default  iu  making  such  pursuit  and  ar- 
rest previous  to  issuing  any  proclamation. 

SKC.  I!.  That  the  governor  is  directed,  upon  information  made  to  him  of  any  sheriff 
or  other  peace  oflicer  having  failed  to  discharge  his  duty  in  pursuing  and  arresting 
felons,  as  prescribed  in  the  second  section,  chapter  thirty-live  of  the  revised  code,  to 
cause  the  facts  of  such  failure  or  neglect  on  the  part  of  a  peace  oflicer  to  belaid  before 
the  solicitor  of  the  State  for  the  judicial  district  in  which  such  delinquent  peace  officer 
may  reside,  to  the  end  that  he  may  be  indicted  for  the  same. 

SEC.  4.  That  the  governor,  cither  with  or  without  issuing  the  proclaim) lion  author- 
i/ed  by  the  first  section  of  this  act,  be  and  he  is  hereby  further  empowered  to  employ 
a  detective  force,  as  lie  may  deem  sufficient,  to  pursue  and  apprehend  any  felon  who  is 
a  fugitive  from  justice,  whether  within  or  without  the  limits  of  the  State:  and  such 
detective  force  shall  be  ill  all  things  subject  to  the  orders  and  directions  of  the  gov- 
ernor; shall  report  to  him  from  time  to  time,  and  be  paid  by  him  for  services,  in  no 
case  exceeding  rive  hundred  dollars,  for  the  arrest  and  safe  delivery  to  jail  of  any  ouo 
felon. 

S KC.  .">.  That  the  governor  is  authorized  to  issue  his  Avnrrant  to  the  public  treasurer, 
from  time  to  time,  for  sufficient  sums  of  money  for  the  purposes  required  by  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  That  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws  in  conflict  with  the  provisions  of  this  act 
are  repealed. 

SEC.  7.  That  this  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  ratification, 

Ratified  this  1'Jth  dav  of  February,  A.  D.  1869. 

JO.  W.  HOLDEN, 
Stmiker  Ho'tteof  ltci>ie*entatirex. 
TOD.   1'.  CALDWELL, 

President  of  tlte.  Senate. 

STATE  OF  NORTH  CAROLINA, 

OFFICE  SECI  ETARY  OF  STATE, 

Hali-iyli,  J/« /v/i  '24,  1869. 

I,  Henry  J.  Menninger,  secretary  of  state,  hereby  certify  that  the  forgoing  is  a  true 
copy  of  the  original  act  on  file  iu  this  office. 

HENRY  J.  MENNINGER, 

Secretary  of  State. 

In  accordance  Avith  the  aboA'eact  of  the  legislature,  his  excellency  Governor  Holdeii 
appointed  Captain  L.  H.  Mowers,  of  this  city,  a  special  detective,  and  assigned  to  him 
the  arduous  task  of  ferreting  out  the  perpetrators  of  the  terrible  and  well-known 
Bridge  murders,  and  the  members  of  the  lawless  baud  which  has  been  a  horror  to  the 
law-abiding  citizens  of  Lenoir  and  surrounding  counties  for  a  long  time. 

The  first  of  April,  five  months  ago,  he  entered  on  his  duties,  and  has  ever  since 
worked  Avith  unremitting  energy,  with  tin;  one  object  in  vieAV — namely,  bunging  crim- 
inals and  outlaws  b.-lbre  a  lawful  tribunal  to  answer  the  demands  of  a  just  law. 

For  nionihs  success  did  not  seem  to  crown  liis  endeavors,  and  those  not  acquainted 
Avith  the  duties  he  was  performing  (and  few  nuderatoo.l  his  mission)  were  led  to 
believe  that  no  check  was  b.-ing  placed  on  wholesale  crime.  Life  was  uncertain,  and 
the  poor  man  liad  no  security  that  the  morning  would  find  him  in  possession  of  the 
horse  or  mule  ne  -essarv  to  work  his  little  crop.  Still  Detective  Mowers  labored, 
silently  but  faithfully,  and  so  closely  did  he  follow  in  the  train  of  the  gang  that  a  few 
Aveeks  a»-o  three  men  turned  State's  evidence,  acknowledged  the  crimes,  gave  the  names 
of  the  perpetrators,  and  assisted  in  their  arrest.  The  result  was  that  in  one  night  he 
made  a  haul  of  eighteen  men  more  or  less  implicated  in  the  crimes  which  had  been 
committed,  and  the  following  day  they  were  lodged  in  Craven  County  jail.  Three 
others  were  afterward  added  to  the  number,  and  their  examination  before  Judge 
Thomas  and  tin- disposal  of  them  till  the  next  term  of  Lenoir  and  Greene  counties 
superior  courts  is  correctly  produced  in  this  pamphlet. 

Too  much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  Detective  Mowers  for  the  energy,  endurance, 
and  persi-tency  he  has  manifested  in  working  up  the  cases  and  bringing  them  before 
a  proper  tribunal. 

CONSTITUTIONAL  UNION  GTAIIDS,  ) 
alitu 

Kr-Ki.rx  KI.AN.  > 

Preliminary  examination  of  the  Lenoir  County  prisoners  on  the  charge  of  conspiracy, 
murder,  arson.  Ac.,  before  Hon.  C.  R.  Thomas,  judge  of  the  third  judicial  district  of 
North  Carolina,  be^an  at  Newbern.  North  Carolina,  August  31,  1869. 

Council  for  the'state,  Win.  J.  Clarke.  Augustus  S.  Seymour,  and  1'.  F.  Lehman. 
es()s. 

Council  for  the  defendants.  George  Cre.-n,  Cl.arles  C.  Clarke,  Frederick  C.  Roberts 
Henry  R.  l»ryan.  and  A.  ('•.  Hubbard.  esqs. 


44  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL   PERSONS. 

EXAMINATION   OF   A   PART   OF   THE   LENOIR  COUNTY   PRISONK1!*. 

FIRST  DAY. — A  horrible  tale  of  murder  and  other  crimes. — Appearance  of  A.  Monroe. 

Yesterday  afteruoon  at  three  o'clock  A.  Monroe,  a  lawyer  of  Kinston,  was  brought 
before  Judge  Thomas  at  the  court-house  iu  this  city,  on  an  affidavit  of  James  Free- 
man, jailor.  He,  in  company  with  others,  was  charged  with  taking  five  prisoners  from 
jail,  and  was  also  charged  in  another  warrant  with  murdering  five  prisoners  who  had 
been  lawfully  confined  in  the  Kinston  jaiL  R.  F.  Lehman,  W.  J.  Clarke,  and  A.  S. 
Seymour,  esqs.,  appeared  for  the  State,  and  George  Green,  F.  C.  Roberts,  H.  R.  Bryan, 
and  A.  G.  Hubbard,  esqs.,  for  the  defendant. 

The  counsel  for  the  defendant  were  not  ready  for  an  examination,  and  after  much 
controversy  the  examination  was  set  down  for  Saturday.  September  4. 

Judge  Thomas  did  not  understand  why  the  prisoner  should  not  be  examined  by  a 
justice  of  the  peace  in  Lenoir  County,  and  was  informed  by  W.  C.  Clarke,  esq.,  that 
evidence  was  in  his  possession  to  prove  that  no, justice  of  the  peace  in  that  county  dare 
examine  the  case  impartially.  The  prisoner  was  remanded  to  the  sheriff's  keeping. 

Examination  of  liiehard  Sutton  and  William  Cooker. 

The  above-named  prisoners  were  arrested  charged  with  felony,  on  the  strength  of  an 
affidavit  sworn  to  by  Jesse  Parrott,  (colored,)  to  the  effect  that  on  the  14th  of  March 
they,  in  company  with  others,  stole  from -the  said  Jesse  Parrott  one  horse  and  mule  and 
H  pair  of  shoes.  The  same  counsel  appeared  on  both  sides  as  in  the  case  of  Monroe. 

The  counsel  for  the  defense  waived  an  examination,  and  offered  to  give  bail ;  counsel 
for  the  State  refused,  and  on  being  asked  the  reason  stated  that  it  was  common  for 
persons  to  be  accidentally  killed  when  convenient,  and  they  wished  the  evidence  of  the 
•witnesses  on  7-<vord  that  they  might  be  sure  of  it  at  the  trial ;  also  that  it  might  .serve 
as  a  kind  of  life-preserver  for  the  witness,  making  it  useless  to  kill  him. 

Jesse  Parrott,  (colored,)  being  sworn,  was  examined  by  R.  F.  Lehman,  esq.: 

I  live  in  Leuoir  County,  about  six  miles  above  Kinston;  always  lived  there,  near  Jesse 
Waters,  between  the  railroad  and  the  county  road,  on  Falling  Creek  ;  I  have  a  family  : 
I  know  Richard  Sutton  and  William  Cooker;  there  they  are,  (pointing  to  the  prisoners:) 
have  been  knowing  them  some  better  than  three  years;  they  live  in  Lenoir  County, 
about  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  from  me;  as  much  as  that  at  least:  they  came  to  my 
liouse  between  midnight  and  day,  this  last  March  three  years  ago,  about  the  14th  of  the 
mouth;  there  were  four  or  five  more  with  them  ;  I  did  not  know  the  others;  they  came 
with  pistols  ;  they  said,  "  Hallo,  old  man,  got  any  drinking  water  f"  I  said  yes.  and  got  up 
and  gave  them  some  :  I  then  started  the  fire,  and  four  men  popped  in  and  took  my  gun 
and  pistol  away,  and  said,  "  Old  man,  we  were  sent  to  take  your  arms ;  the  captain  sent 
ws;"  I  told  them  I  had  not  heard  of  any  such  ordernient ;  they  then  took  a  pair  of 
shoes  which  belonged  to  my  daughter;  I  said,  "Please  don't  take  my  horses,  they  are 
all  I  have  got;"  I  heard  them  leading  Iiem  out;  they  would  not  let  me  go  out  doors; 
they  stood  bet  ween  me  and  the  door. 

After  hearing  the  evidence  the  parties  were  bound  over  in  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
dollars  for  their  appearance  at  the  next  term  of  the  Lsnoir  County  superior  court. 

liiehard  Sutton  charged  icith  murder. 

Richard  Sutton  was  charged  with  the  murder  (in  company  with  others)  of  Lewis 
Cogden,  colored,  in  Lenoir  County.  The  same  counsel  on  both  sides  as  before.  Thomas 
Waters  and  Joseph  P.  Parrott  were  sworn,  and  Thomas  Waters  examined  by  the  State's 
attorney. 

I  will  be  28  years  of  age  the  16th  of  next  October ;  I  live  in  Lenoir  County,  seven 
miles  west  of  Kiuston  ;  I  have  been  acquainted  with  Richard  Sutton  four  or  five  years. 
I  started  to  take  Lewis  Cogden,  colored,  to  jail  at  Snow  Hill,  and  he  was  taken  out  of 
the  buggy  to  a  field  and  killed  ;  he  was  shot  by  Richard  Sutton  ;  1  was  present  and  saw 
Sutton  shoot  him ;  this  occurred,  I  think,  in  Greene  County,  near  the  line  between  Greene 
and  Lenoir ;  he  was  killed,  and  Mr.  Suggs,  one  of  the  murderers,  called  on  me  to  go 
and  assist  in  burying  him  ;  Sutton  fired  on  him  with  a  pistol,  and  I  found  him,  in  a 
day  or  so,  dead  ;  he  i'ell  when  the  pistol  fired  ;  Elisha  Suggs  left  the  buggy  in  the  road, 
mid  went  to  the  body  and  said  lie  was  not  dead,  and  said  we  ought  to  go  back  and 

finish  the  d d  eon  of  a  b h  ;  Suggs  said  the  hogs  would  probably  get  to  dragging 

him  around,  and  the  people  in  the  neighborhood  would  find  it  out;  Sutton  rode  off  on 
his  horse  or  mule  as  soon  as  the  buggy  could  be  turned  around;  I  was  in  the  buggy 
with  Cogden,  and  Suggs  and  Sutton  were  on  horseback;  Lewis  Cogden  was  a  colored 
man;  I  went  and  helped  Suggs  bury  him  ;  it  was  a  dark  night,  and  Suggs  looked 
around  in  the  field  a  good  while  before  he  found  him  ;  it  was  an  old  pine  field  where 
we  carried  him  when  he  was  shot;  at  the  time  he  was  shot  I  was  raking  up  a  little 
pine  straw  to  make  a  fire  and  warm  my  hands ;  it  was  in  the  evening ;  Sutton,  Cogden, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  45 

and  I  were  together  in  the  field  when  Cogden  was  shot  ;  I  did  not  shoot  Lira  ;  Cogden 
had  robbed  a  good  deal,  and  I  thought  we,  could  make  him  tell  who  were  in  the  party 
with  him  stealing,  and  while  I  was  wanning  my  hands  Sutton  shot  him  ;  I  was  going 
to  threaten  to  kill  him  if  he  would  not  tell  who  were  concerned  with  him  ;  I  think  he, 
was  shot  in  the  hack  and  head;  two  shot  were  lired  :  at  the  first  shot  he  fell  on  his 
knees  and  head,  and  Sutton  then  shot  him  again  ;  the  Taylor  hoys  wen-  after  him  to 
arrest  him  ;  he  had  robbed  Mr.  Taylor;  I  went  up  to  Mr.  Cpoker's  and  asked  him  to  go 
with  me:  when  we  found  him  he  had  been  arrested;  he  told  on  a  fellow  named  Bee- 
ton;  we  were  none  of  us  officers;  the  Taylor  boys  said  they  had  a  warrant  ;  I  had  heard 
of  a  good  many  being  arrested  without  a  warrant;  we  called  and  got  Suggs  and  went 
for  Becton,  but  found  he  had  been  arrested  and  carried  to  Snow  Hill  .jail,  so  we  started 
for  i  he  jail  with  Cogden:  when  we  got  to  an  old  field  Suggs  said.  "Let's  stop  and  make 
him  till  the  truth  or  kill  him,"  and  when  I  was  warming  my  hands  Button  shot  him  ; 
he  was  tied  ;  Sutton  didn't  say  a  word  when  he  fired  oil  Cogden. 

Cross-examined  by  GEORGE  GREEN,  esq.  : 

I  was  acting  as  a  policeman  in  Lenoir  County.  I  was  not  discharged  or  sworn  in  ; 
do  not  known  whethej;  I  was  then  acting  or  not;  had  had  several  orders  from  Captain 
lliggins.  I  was  pursuing  Cogdeu,  not  as  a  policeman  but  to  get  the  robbers.  Iliad 
been  arresting  without  warrants.  Mr.  Lassiter  was  justice  of  the  peace;  he  did  not 
put  the  eoloied  man  in  my  possession.  I  borrowed  a  buggy  at  Mosely  Ha'l.  I  did  not 
fummoim  Sutton  and  Cooker  ;  they  had  Cogden  in  Lassiter's  Grove  ;  his  advice  was  to 
take  Cogden  to  jail.  I  was  not  at  Kinston  when  I  was  appointed  policeman.  I  was 
appointed  by  Colonel  Uphaui.  Lassiter  said,  "Don't  allow  Cogden  to  be  killed." 
Cooker  left  us  as  we  turned  to  go  to  Snow  Hill;  he  was  drunk  and  carried  oil'  my  pistol, 
and  I  have  not  seen  it  since.  We  went  on  the  old  stage  road  from  Kinston.  We 
stopped  at  father's  long  enough  to  get  a  bottle  of  whisky  and  some  bread.  I  drank 
every  time  the  others  took  a  drink.  I  told  of  the  murder  for  the  first  time  about 
a  week  ago.  Mr.  Parrott  said  the  detective  was  finding  out  a  good  deal  about  this 
mischief  which  had  been  going  on  for  the  last  few  years,  and  that  he  had  something 
against  me.  I  said  if  I  was  called  on  I  should  state  facts  about  what  1  knew.  I 
thought  he  had  heard  about  the  murder,  and  1  wonldtell  what  I  knew.  I  thought  by 
telling  it  that  I  would  stop  some  of  it.  My  own  life  had  been  threatened,  and  I  told 
Captain  Mowers  of  my  own  accord.  He  made  me  no  promises. 


P.  PARROTT  being  called  and  examined  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq.,  testified: 
I  was  twenty-live  years  old  last  April.  Richard  Button  said  to  me  that  he,  in  company 
with  Thomas  Waters  and  Joshua  Suggs,  killed  Lewis  Cogden,  but  said  he  was  not  any 
more  guilty  than  the  rest,  and  asked  me  if  I  could  help  him  out  of  trouble;  and  I  said 
1  did  not  know  as  I  could,  but  would  do  what  I  could  for  him.  He  said  they  killed 
Cogden  ;  said  they  were  under  the  influence  of  liquor. 

Cross-examined  by  GEORGE  GREEN,  esq.  : 

He  told  me  of  the  murder  since  he  has  been  in  Craven  street  jail,  the  24th  of  August. 
Sheriff  Tinker  was  there,  and  William  Cooker.  Richard  L.  Wooten,  and  Captain  Mow- 
ers. Mr.  Wooten  had  a  talk  with  him.  Mr.  Wooten  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  room 
when  Sntton  told  me  of  the  murder,  and  asked  me  if  I  could  help  him  out  of  trouble. 
He  asked  me  if  I  thought  it  would  be  best  for  him  to  make  a  statement.  1  said  perhaps 
it  would,  and  then  he  told  me  what  I  have  stated.  1  have  been  engaged  in  arresting 
some  of  the  prisoners  from  Leuoir  County.  I  arrested  Sutton  ;  Captain  Mowers  au- 
thori/.ed  me  to  do  it. 

This  ended  the  case  for  the  day,  and  further  examination  will  be  resumed  this  morn- 
ing at  10  o'clock. 

The  examination  of  the  Lenoir  County  prisoners. 

SECOND  PAY. 

Judge  Thomas  read  the  testimony  given  the  day  before  by  Joseph  I'.  Parrott  in  re- 
gard to  killing  of  Lewis  Cogden,  and  Mr.  Parrott  subscribed  to  the  same. 

The  judge  required  Joseph  P.  Parrott  and  Thomas  Waters  to  enter  in  bonds  of  s.~>ui) 
each  for  their  appearance  at  the  next  term  of  (Ireene  County  superior  court. 

C.  C.  Clarke,  esq.,  stated  that  the  warrant  in  the  ease  of  Richard  SutJon  was  not 
served  till  Tuesday,  and  they  desired  the  case  continued  till  Sat  unlay  next.  W.  J.  Clarke, 
esq.,  answered  that  the  defense  was  aware  of  the  pending  examination  last  week. 
(ieorge  (Jreeii,  esq..  stated  that  till  T  nesday  1  In  -re  was  no  case  In-fore  the  court,  and. 
therefore,  no  witnesses  could  have  been  subpicnaed.  Judge  Thomas  stated  that  he 
would  issue  subpu-nati  for  witnesses  returnable  Saturday  at  Id  o'clock  a.  m. 

W.  J.  Clarke,  esq..  declared.  In-fore  .  Judge  Thomas  and  others  present,  that  the  exec- 
utive had  no  object  but  to  punish  the  guilty  and,  if  possible,  banish  criminals  from 


46  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

the  land.  He  was  instructed  by  the  governor  to  arrest  no  man  unless  on  grave  suspicion. 
Some  of  our  witnesses  have  fled,  and  there  is  no  probability  of  their  early  return  ; 
therefore,  be  moved  that  William  I'ool  and  William  Wiggins,  accused  of  the  murder 
of  James  Grant,  be  discharged,  and  James  Wiggins,  Alexander  Sutton,  and  James 
Dailey,  not  having  evidence  enough  to  bold  them,  he  moved  that  they  also  be  set  at 
liberty.  The  return  of  the  sheriff,  in  the  case  of  the  last-named  prisoners,  was  to  the 
effect  that  they  were  given  into  his  keeping  by  Detective  Mowers,  and  that  he  received 
from  his  excellency  Governor  Holden  a  telegram,  ordering  him  to  keep  them  safely 
till  they  were  examined  and  discharged  by  process  of  law.  The  first  above-named 
prisoners  were  discharged. 

Thomas  Waters,  jr.,  J.  L.  Parker,  R.  F.  Hill,  Egburt  Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Alexander 
Dawson,  and  Benjamin  Jones,  were  brought  into  court  confined  by  virtue  of  a  warrant. 
The  name  of  Thomas  Waters  was  also  added  to  the  others  against  whom  there  was  no 
writ,  and  he  was  discharged. 

W.  J.  Clarke,  esq.,  stated  that  Nathan  Sutton  is  in  court  charged  with  receiving 
stolen  goods.  He  proposed  1o  waive  an  examination  and  give  bonds  for  his  appear- 
ance before  the  superior  court. 

The  judge  required  a  bond  of  $500,  and  Cicero  Green  was  given  and  received  as 
bondsman. 

Joseph  Lassiter  entered  into  recognizance  in  the  sum  of  $200  for  his  appearance  at 
the  Leuior  County  court  as  a  witness  in  the  case. 

The  case  of  William  B.  Nelson  was  brought  up  for  examination,  charged  with  arson, 
on  the  oath  of  Joseph  P.  Parrott,  that  Nelson  burned  the  grist-mill  house  of  Joseph 
Lassiter. 

WILLIAM  B.  NELSON  said : 

I  never  said  it.  I  was  ten  miles  away  at  the  time  the  mill  was  burned.  I  was  board- 
ing at  the  house  of  Austin  Williams,  near  Spring  Bank,  in  Wayne  County,  and  stayed 
at  his  house  all  night  the  night  the  mill  was  burned.  The  mill  is  near  my  house,  but 
I  was  not  at  home,  and  I  can  prove  it  to  your  satisfaction. 

By  Judge  THOMAS  : 

Q.  Are  you  the  father  of  young  Nelson  who  is  in  jail  at  Wilson  at  this  time? — A. 
I  am. 

Q.  Are  yon  the  man  who  testified  in  his  case  ? — A.  I  am. 

Stephen  Lassiter,  a  witness,  being  called  was  not  in,  and  while  the  court  was  waiting 
for  him  to  return  George  Green,  esq.,  proposed  to  give  bail  for  all  prisoners,  that  they 
might  go  to  their  work.  W.  J.  Clarke,  esq.,  stated  the  evidence  against  the  prisoners 
was  such  that  he  thought  in  justice  to  the  State  they  must  take  down  the  testimony 
against  crcnj  man  accused  in  the  warrant. 

Awaiting  the  return  to  court  of  Stephen  Lassiter,  the  court  adjourned  till  3  o'clock 
p.  m. 

' AFTERNOON. 

Stephen  Lassiter  was  accepted  as  bondsman  for  Thomas  F.  Waters,  in  the  sum  of 
$200,  for  his  appearance  at  the  examination  of  Richard  Sutton,  charged  with  the  mur- 
der of  Lewis  Cogden.  The  examination  will  take  place  Saturday  next,  at  10  o'clock  a.  in. 

Mr.  STEPHEN  LASSITER,  being  sworn  and  examined  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq,,  testified : 
I  reside  in  Lenoir  County,  Mosely  Hall  Township.  I  owned  the  mill  which  was  burned 
there.  It  was  burned  on  the  night  of  December  6,  1868.  I  do  not  know  the  cause  of 
the  fire.  There  was  no  fire  about  the  mill.  It  must  have  been  set  on  flre.  I  am  ac- 
quainted with  Win.  P.  Nelson.  After  the  fire  I  met  him.  He  seemed  to  be  sorry  that 
the  mill  was  burned,  and  said  if  I  would  rebuild  it  he  would  help  hew  the  timber.  He 
said  he  was  up  at  Spring  Bank,  in  Wayne  County,  about  12  miles  from  the  mill,  when 
it  was  burned,  and  heard  of  it  the  next  day  about  three  o'clock.  Spring  Bank  is  about 
12  miles  from  my  house.  I  did  not  charge  Nelson  with  setting  fire  to  the  mill ;  he 
volunteered  his  statements  about  where  he  was  that  night.  I  think  last  June  he  came 
to  me  and  said  that  he  understood  he  had  been  accused  of  burning  my  mill,  but  he  could 
prove  that  he  was  at  Austin  Williams's,  a  gentleman  that  lives  about  one  or  two  miles 
from  where  he  lived,  when  it  was  burned.  Austin  Williams's  house  is  between  one  and 
two  miles  from  the  mill,  and  about  the  same  distance  from  Mr.  Nelson's  house.  I  never 
had  any  quarrel  with  Mr.  Nelson,  and  he  never  had  any  with  me.  There  were  some 
horses  stolen  from  some  colored  men,  and  I  accused  his  son  of  being  concerned  in  the 
theft,  and  if  there  was  any  hard  feeling  it  was  occasioned  by  that  circumstance  ;  (after- 
ward he  said  two  horses  from  two  colored  men  ;)  the  horses  were  stolen  at  the  lime 
of  the  spring  term  of  the  Lenoir  County  court,  and  I  accused  him  of  stealing  them 
soon  after. 

Cross-examined  by  the  defense  : 
My  mill  was  burned  in  the  winter  of  1868  ;  I  do  not  know  how  it  was  set  on  fire  ;  the 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  47 

mill  was  running  that  day;  two  incii  were  at  work  tliriv.  and  people  were  passing;  the 
hands  told  me  there  was  no  lire;  in  the  mill  that  day  ;  I  do  not  know,  myself;  1  don't 
know  what  time  the  lire  broke  out;  I  was  told  of  it  about  7  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
and  gut  there  about  >•  o'clock.  The  miller  was  a  smoker.  Some  time  after  the  mill  was 
burned,  two  or  three  weeks  after.  I  >a\v  Mr.  Nelson,  and  he  said  he  was  sorry  it  was 
burned,  and  would  help  rebuild  it.  He  lives  about  half  a  mile  from  the  mill.  It  is 
a  public  mill.  Nelson  told  me  that  at  3  o'clock  the  day  after,  lie  heard  the  mill  wa.s 
burued;  he  said  he  could  prove  by  Austin  Williams  that  he  staid  with  him  all  night. 
I  dou't  kuow  how  long  Williams  has  lived  there  ;  he  lived  there,  before  the  war,  and 
lives  there  since;  if  he  had  moved  away  I  don't  know  it;  I  do  not  know  whether  In- 
lived  at  Spring  Hank  when  the  mill  was  burned.  I  don't  know  of  any  hard  feeling  that 
Mr.  Nelson  had  against  me;  I  aeensed  his  sou  of  stealing  some  mules  of  some  colored 
men  the  spring  previous.  The  people  were  in  the  habit  of  passing  through  the  mill  ; 
parties  might  have  passed  through  the  mill  that  night  with  lights;  1  do  not  know  as 
they  are  in  the  habit  of  carrying  lights ;  I  have  known  them  to  do  so. 

Questioned  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq. : 


told,  lives  about  two  miles  from  Mr.  Nelson  ;  he  has  his  grist  ground  at  the  mill ;  I  don't 
know  whether  he  has  ever  moved  away  from  there ;  do  not  know  that  he  ever  moved 


I  was  told  that  there  was  no  grinding  done  there  that  night.     Austin  Williams,  I  am 

two  miles  from  Mr.  NYlsc 
whether  h< 
away. 

JOSEPH  P.  PARROTT,  being  sworn  and  examined  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq.,  testified  : 
I  live  in  Lenoir  County,  eight  miles  from  Kinston ;  I  know  Mr.  Nelson ;  Stephen 
Lassiter's  mill  was  burned  December  6,1868;  I  had  a  conversation  with  Mr.  Nelson 
last  April ;  I  had  never  seen  him  before  to  know  him.  Mr.  Nelson's  son  told  his  father 
that  lie  had  a  horse  from  me,  and  Mr.  Nelson  sent  for  me  to  see  if  it  was  my  horse;  he 
said  Mr.  Lassiter  had  been  prominent  in  having  his  son  arrested,  and  he  had  burned 

his  mill,  and  be  d d  if  he  didn't  do  it  again  if  he  rebuilt  it,  and  meant  to  kill  him 

too  ;  he  had  got  the  gun  in  his  house  that  he  intended  to  do  it  with  ;  he  said  that  Mr. 
Lassiter  had  abused  him  a  good  deal,  and  accused  him  of  raising  his  children  on  stolen 
beef,  and  no  man  should  prosper  who  lived  near  him  and  accused  him  of  raising  his 
children  on  stolen  beef. 

Cross-examined  by  GEORGE  GREEN,  CLARK,  and  ROBERTS,  esqs. : 

I  live  about  ten  miles  from  Mr.  Nelson  ;  had  not  seen  him  before  to  know  him  ;  he 
sent  for  me  ;  there  came  a  man  to  my  house  and  wanted  me  to  come  and  see  him. 
Asa  Waters  and  Joshua  Suggs  were  there  and  introduced  me ;  they  were  present 
when  the  conversation  took  place  ;  Mr.  Nelson  said  his  son  had  been  caught  with  a 
horse  which  he  said  his  son  said  he  had  got  from  Mr.  Parrott ;  it  was  not  my  horse  ; 
he  then  abused  Mr.  Lassiter;  said  Mr.  Lassiter  had  accused  him  of  raising  his  children 
on  stolen  beef;  that  he  had  burned  Mr.  Lassiter's  mill.  I  did  not  agree  with  Mr.  Nel- 
son, lint  might  have  cursed  Mr.  Lassiter  a  little  when  Mr.  Nelson  said  Mr.  Lassiter  was 
going  to  take  me  out  and  whip  me  ;  he  told  me  the  same  thing  twice  ;  Mr.  Nelson  said 
that  Mr.  Lassiter  said  I  was  one  of  the  regulators  who  was  going  round  stealing — one 
of  the  horse-thieves — and  he  would  be  one  of  the  men  to  raise  a  crowd  any  night  to 
take  me  out  and  whip  the  breath  out  of  the  d — d  rascal;  I  said  he  would  have  a 
happy  time  doing  it  ;  he  told  me  about  burning  the  mill,  more  than  once ;  I  don't 
know  just  what  time  in  the  conversation  he  told  me  what  Lassiter  si  id  ;  Lassiter  and 
Nelson  live  within  a  mile  or  two  of  each  other;  Nelson  said  that  Lassiter's  mill-pond 
covered  some  of  his  land  ;  the  mill  has  been  there  ever  since  I  knew  anything  about 
it ;  Stephen  Lassiter  has  had  it  since  the  death  of  his  father ;  in  going  from  Stephen 
Lassiter's  house,  to  go  to  Nelson's,  you  leave  the  mill  to  the  right ;  I  staid  at  Mr. 
Nelson's  between  half  an  hour  and  an  hour ;  got  no  liquor  at  Nelson's ;  went  to 
Mosely  Hall,  going  back,  and  got  some ;  I  told  Mr.  Lassiter  a  month  ago  that  Mr. 
Nelson  burned  his  mill ;  Nelson  told  me  he  did  last  April ;  1  did  not  deem  'it  my  busi- 
ness to  go  and  tell  him,  but  told  him  while  talking  with  him. 

Questioned  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq..: 

There  were  other  parties  there  at  the  time  ;  they  will  tell  you  the  same  as  I  have,  if 
they  tell  the  truth  ;  when  the  pond  was  full  it  drowned  some  of  Nelson's  land,  and  he 
wanted  to  cultivate  it ;  I  don't  kno\\  where  Joshua  Suggs  and  William  Sntton  are 
now;  I  hear  they  are  in  the  woods;  they  left  here  on  Sunday  evening;  they  got  a 
hand-ear  in  Kinston  :  I  heard  they  then  took  to  the  woods:  they  got  a  hand-car  from 
Mr.  liradine:  Asa  Waters  and  Joshua  Suggs  took  to  the  woods  iieeanse  t-hey  had  been 
told  that  the  oih'eers  here  were  going  to  get  what  they  could  out  of  them,  and  then 
put  them  through. 

GEORGE  GREEN,  esq.,  wanted  to  probe  the  thing  to  the  bottom,  and  find  who  spirited 
the  men  away  ;  he  believed  either  the  State's  attorney  or  the  railroad  ofticials  did  it : 
the  State  wanted  the  thing  explained  ;  they  were  sure  there  was  fraud. 


48  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

THOMAS  WATERS  was  called  by  A.  S.  SEYMOUR,  esq.,  and  said : 

I  came  from  Kinstou  on  a  hand-car,  Sunday  ;  I  got  it  from  R.  W.  King;  I  told  him  I 
was  a  witness  here,  and  got  left  by  Saturday  night's  train  ;  he  let  Mr.  Bradine  bring 
me  down,  and  when  I  got  here  Suggs  said  I  was  a  d — d  fool  ;  that  they  were  going  to 
put  us  in  jail ;  so  I  went  back  to  Kinston  with  Suggs,  but  came  back  here  again ; 
Suggs  did  not  come  back. 

Mr.  LASSIITEU  was  called  by  A.  S.  Seymour,  esq.,  and  said : 

The  water  covers'  some  of  Nelson's  land;  he  bought  it  of  Whitfield;  but  we  have  a 
deed  for  the  land  the  water  covers,  while  the  mill  is  up ;  but  when  it  goes  down  the 
land  goes  back  to  the  former  owner.  I  heard  that  Nelson  said  lie  was  going  to  plant 
corn  in  the  dry  mill-pond,  unless  I  could  make  shots  fly  faster  than  he  could.  Nelson 
was  in  possession  of  the  land,  but  had  not  paid  for  it.  Nelson  thought  if  the  mill  was 
burned  the  land  would  come  into  his  possession. 

Judge  Thomas  required  the  prisoner  to  give  bond  in  the  sum  of  §500  for  his  appear- 
ance at  the  next  term  of  the  superior  court,  in  Lenoir  County. 

Mr.  Lassite  gave  his  personal  recognizance  for  his  appearance  as  a  witness. 

Mr.  Parrott  gave  his  recognizance  to  appear  in  future  cases. 

The  examination  will  be  resumed  at  10  o'clock  this  morning. 

The  examination  of  the- Lenoir  County  prisoners. 

THIRD  DAY. 

Franklin  Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Benjamin  F.  Jones,  Alexander  Dawson,  Jack  Parker, 
Egbert  Hill,  A.  Monroe,  and  Jefferson  Perry,  were  brought  before  Judge  Thomas, 
charged  with  conspiracy,  on  oath  of  Joseph  P.  Parrott.  - 

By  request  of  the  State's  attorney  a  nol.pros.  was  entered  in  the  case  of  Alexander 
Dawson. 

R.  F.  Lehman,  esq.,  for  the  State,  said  :  We  will  proceed  against  the  prisoners  jointly 
after  they  have  severally  pleaded. 

Franklin  Hill  called,  pleaded  not  guilty  ;  Everett  Hill,  Benjamin  F.  Jones,  Jack  Par- 
ker, and  Egbert  Hill  answered  the  same.  A.  Monroe  also  answered  the  same,  and  said, 
"I  have  never  conspired  against  the  laws  of  my  country  iu  any  way."  Jefferson  Perry 
pleaded  nut  guilty. 

R.  F.  Lehman,  esq.,  for  the  State,  called  George  W.  Tillon,  Joseph  P.  Parrott,  and 
Joseph  Lassiter. 

GEORGE  W.  TIT.T-OX,  a  witness  for  the  State,  being  sworn,  said  :  I  am  thirty-four 
years  old  ;  I  am  a  late  resident  of  Lenoir  County ;  I  have  lived  there  since  the  close  of 
the  war ;  I  am  a  bridge  builder  and  butcher;  have  been  engaged  in  that  business  in 
the  mean  time.  I  have  been  connected  with  an  organization  of  which  the  defendants 
were  members;  that  organization  was  formed  in  Lenoir  County  about  the  latter  part 
of  March  or  the  first  of  April,  in  1869.  I  became  a  member  of  the  organization  about 
that  time,  and  was  one  of  the  first  ten  that  assisted  in  forming  it.  Rath  Temple  came 
to  Lenoir  County  to  form  the  organization.  He  came  from  near  Raleigh.  The  name  of 
the  organization  was  called  the  C.  U.  G.  Society;  it  means  Constitutional  Union 
Guards;  it  is  popularly  called  the  Ku-Klux  Klau.  I  was  among  the  number  often 
that  formed  the  organization.  Their  names,  as  far  as  I  remember,  were  William  Hines, 
Bright  Harper,  Henry  Croom.  Those  are  all  I  would  like  to  swear  positively  to.  I 
might  be  mistaken  iu  the  rest. 

By  Judge  THOMAS.: 

Are  any  of  the  parties  named  defendants  here  ? — Answer  by  Mr.  Lehman.  No  ;  they 
have  not  been  taken.  The  first  officers  were  Je,sse  C.  Kennedy,  A.  Monroe,  Ash  Devane, 
and  Zack  Harper,  were  commanders.  They  were  designated  south  commander,  leading 
officer,  north  commander,  east  commander,  and  West  commander.  George  W.  Tillon, 
conductor;  David  Smith,  treasurer;  Henry  Croom,  secretary;  James  limes,  inside 
guard;  Daniel  Davis,  outside  guard.  I  continued  to  operate  with  this  organization 
about  two  months.  At  the  time  I  left  it  it  had  about  seventy-live  members.  Frank 
Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Egbert  Hill,  Benjamin  Jones,  Jackaline  Parker,  Alexander  Dawson, 
Jctr'crson  Perry,  and  A.  Monroe,  were  among  the  members  who  are  now  prisoners.  I 
introduced  them  for  initiation.  It  was  the  duty  of  my  office.  Some  of  them  were 
initiated  at  Henry  C  room's  house;  some  iu  an  old  still-house  back  of  his  house  :  some 
at  William  White's  store,  at  Kinston,  and  one  at  the  river  bank,  Mr.  Hunter's  residence. 
They  (the  prisoners)  were  all  active  members  at  the  time  I  abandoned  the  organiza- 
tion. I  administered  the  following  oath,  as  near  as  I  can  recollect  it :  "  1  solemnly  swear 
that  I  will  never  reveal  anything  that  has  transpired,  or  may  transpire,  in  the  order 
that!  am  about  to  join,  even  should  I  not  identify  myself  therewith."  Questions 
asked  before  the  oath  is  put :  Do  you  believe  in  a  white  man's  government?  Do  you 


OUTRAGES   COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  49 

promise  to  labor  faithfully  for  the  overthrow  of  tin- party  ?  The  conductor  fills 

up  the  blank  and  inserts  -'republican." 

A  further  oath  is.  to  take  a  solemn  obligation  to  resist  by  force  of  arms,  if  necessary, 
any  aggression  upon  our  legal  rights.  There  was  an  oath  taken  to  promise  to  obey  all 
officers  in  anything  pertaining  to  the  good  of  the  organization.  The  north,  south,  east, 
and  west  commanders  each  administer  a  different  oath.  The  duty  of  the  south  com- 
mander is  to  administer  the  iirst  oath;  the  other  commanders  do' the  same,  and  give 
some  signs  and  secrets.  I  was  present  at  several  meetings  :  we  had  a  meeting  on  sev- 
eral Saturdays  at  Crooin's  old  still-hou.se;  always  there,  with  the  exception  of  two 
meetings  at  William  White's  store,  in  Kinston,  up  stairs,  secretly.  We  met  at  Crooin's 
still-house  in  April  and  in  May.  There  was  business  done  at  the  meeting  in  April :  the 
members  that  came  together  were  nearly  all  armed  with  pistols  and  guns ;  very  fe\\ 
guns.  The  meeting  was  held  in  the  afternoon,  about  3  o'clock:  when  the  members 
went  into  session  the  outside  guards  were  placed  on  their  posts— armed  men.  with  orders 
to  halt  anybody  not  able  to  give  the  pass-word.  In  this  meeting  measures  were  adopted 
for  the  killing  of  Colgrove  and  Wilkie.  The  reason  given  for  the  killing  of  Colgrove 
was  on  account  of  his  participation  in  the  arrest  of  Joel  Hines;  that  was  the  principal 
reason.  Joel  Hiiies  was  a  member  of  the  organization  at  that  time.  Wilkie  was  sup- 
posed to  be  a  detective,  trying  to  ferret  out  the  perpetrators  of  the  bridge  murder. 
The  measures  that  were  adopted — members  were  deputized  to  kill  the  men ;  some  vol- 
unteered; they  were  authorized  by  the  meeting;  those  who  were  to  do  it  were  told 
that  they  would  be  protected.  Ash  Devane  moved,  in  open  meeting,  to  kill  Colgrove 
and  W 'ilkie  ;  the  motion  was  put  and  carried.  The  next  morning  I  met  a  party  belong- 
ing to  the  organization  returning  from  Colgrove's,  who  said  they  had  been  there  for 
that  purpose,  but  did  not  find  him.  The  vote  in  the  meeting  was  not  unanimous,  but 
it  was  carried. 

All  the  prisoners  now  before  the  court  were  present  when  the  vote  was  taken  to  kill 
Colgrove.  Others  there  were,  Henry  Croom,  Daniel  Davis,  Jesse  C.  Kennedy,  Ash  De- 
vane,  Zack  Harper,  Bright  Harper,  Samuel  Perry,  James  Perry,  William  Hiiies,  Jauies 
Hiiies,  Joel  Hines,  Redden  Hines,  and  others.  Jesse  C.  Keuuedywas  south  commander  of 
the  meeting.  The  highest  officer,  Ash  Devane,  put  the  motion  and  called  on  the  south 
commander  to  put  it  to  a  vote.  Any  member  had  a  right  to  put  a  motion ;  sometimes 
they  put  it  through  the  south  commander. 

Meetings  were  held  weekly  ;  they  were  always  armed  assemblages.  The  meetings 
were  generally  in  the  daytime.  At  the  next  meeting  the  killing  of  Colgrove  was  up 
again  ;  it  was  the  important  question.  Others  to  be  killed  were  Wilkie,  Mowers,  Shep- 
ard,  and  others.  A  motion  was  offered  in  this  meeting  to  kill  Mowers,  because  lie  was 
supposed  to  be  a  detective ;  the  motion  was  put  and  carried. 

All  the  prisoners,  or  nearly  all,  were  present.  The  Hill  boys  were  there  ;  Frank  Hill, 
Egbert  Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Jefferson  Perry,  and  Benjamin  Jones  were  present.  The 
commanders  present  were  Jesse  Kennedy.  Ash  Devane,  and  Zack  Harper.  The  instruc- 
tions were  generally  to  get  in  the  way  of  the  sheriff,  in  case  any  member  of  the  organ- 
ization should  come  to  trial  for  an  alleged  offense,  and  acquit  him  no  matter  what  the 
testimony  which  was  offered  was ;  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  a  comrade  giving  the 
cry  or  signals  of  distress  at  the  risk  of  our  lives.  These  orders  were  given  by  the  com- 
manders. Getting  in  the  way  of  the  sheriff  means  hanging  around  the  courts  to  get 
on  the  jury  to  acquit  any  members  of  the  organization  without  any  regard  to  the  oath 
taken  by  the  juror.  We  were  under  oath  to  go  to  the  relief  of  a  comrade  giving  the 
cry  of  distress,  which  meant  when  he  was  going  to  jail  or  to  trial,  such  was  the  gene- 
ral understanding.  I  have  been  called  upon  by  a  lawyer  belonging  to  the  organiza- 
tion to  get  on  a  jury  for  his  benefit ;  the  lawyer,  Mr.  Muuroe,  being  the  man  ;  he  ex- 
pecting me  to  acquit  the  prisoners  without  reg'ard  to  the  oath  of  a  juror.  Ash  Devane 
and  Hines  were  imprisoned  in  the  Lenoir  County  jail  on  the  night  of  the  first  of  May, 
for  stealing  a  mule.  The  members  took  a  solemn  obligation  to  go  to  the  relief  of  a 
member  in  distress,  which  means  in  jail  or  to  go  to  the  trial.  They  were  to  assist  him 
by  getting  on  the  jury  or  releasing  him  from  jail  by  force  if  necessary.  Ash  Devaue 
and  James  Hiues  were  released  from  jail  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  May  by  members 
of  this  organization,  named  as  follows :  Frank  Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Egbert  Hill,  Jackaline 
Parker,  Benjamin  Jones,  Redden  Hines,  William  Hines,  Joel  Hines,  Bright  Harper, 
Zack  Harper,  Henry  Croom,  Daniel  Davis,  Samuel  Perry,  James  Perry,  Joseph  Parrott, 
George  W.  Tillon,  and  others.  A.  Munroe  and  Jefferson  Perry  were  not  present. 

They  went  to  the  jail  armed ;  the  prisoners  were  released ;  the  locks  to  the  jail  were 
broken  ;  the  jailor  was  not  present;  the  prisoners  in  jail  had  arms;  I  mean  Devane 
and  Hines  had  pistols ;  Devaue  had  two  and  Hines  one ;  Mr.  Frank  Cox  was  then  sin  i  ill ; 
it  was  on  Sunday  night  or  Monday  morning  near  1  o'clock.  The  party  that  went  to  the 
jail  assembed  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  from  Kinston,  at  Mr.  Hill's  house,  about  $ 
o'clock  Sunday  night — Frank  Hill's  house,  near  Ferry  Branch.  We  went  from  there 
to  the  grave-yard  in  Kinstou,  armed  with  pistols  and  double-barreled  guns.  We  were 
there  organized,  and  a  captain  elected;  Bright  Harper  was  elected  captain.  Myself 
and  Joseph  Parrott  were  sent  to  Kinston  to  find  the  tools  for  breaking  open  the  jail. 

S.  Ex.  16,  pt.  2 4 


50  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

which  were  to  have  been  left,  as  I  understood,  at  Munroe's  office ;  but  did  not  find  the 
tools  or  Munroe  there  ;  the  captain  directed  us  to  go  there  for  the  tools ;  we  walked  up 
and  down  the  street  endeavoring  to  find  Mr.  Munroe,  Mr.  Bartleston,  or  any  others  who 
we  supposed  sympathized  in  the  undertaking;  did  not  find  Munroe  that  evening,  and 
drd  not  get  the  tools.  We  then  went  near  the  jail  to  see  if  there  was  any  guard  there  ; 
when  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  jail  we  heard  blows  ou  the  doors, 
and  Ave  rushed  up  and  took  our  places  in  the  guard.  They  were  the  same  parties  who 
started  from  Frank  Hill's.  The  guards  were  posted  around  the  court-house  square  and 
jail.  Immediately  after  our  arrival  the  door  was  forced,  the  prisoners  released,  and 
shook  hands  all  round.  We  gaAre  three  cheers  and  started  for  Neuse  River  bridge.  We 
carried  one  of  our  sledge-hammers  with  us,  and  threw  it  into  Mr.  Preston's  garden  ; 
five  of  us  were  detailed  to  go  back  to  the  town  for  some  horses  which  were  left  there  ; 
we  separated  with  the  company  at  Mr.  Preston's  corner — Stubb's  Place.  James  Hines, 
George  Tillon,  Ash  Devane,  and  Joseph  Parrott  went  to  Mr.  Tumage's  lot ;  do  not 
remember  the  other  man  ;  we  got  Mr.  Parrott's  horse  and  one  Devane  used ;  we  then, 
went  home.  There  was  a  proposition  made' the  same  night  to  kill  Mowers,  but  it  was 
not  carried.  This  crowd  was  most  at  home  the  Saturday  before  ;  some  were  at  Mr. 
Munroe's  office ;  those  there  were  George  Tillon,  Joseph  Parrott,  Bright  Harper,  A. 
Munroe,  and  Samuel  A.  Bartleston  ;  I  was  there ;  measures  were  adopted  for  the  rescue 
of  those  in  jail ;  we  were  to  ride  and  notify  members  to  meet  Sunday  night  and  rescue 
the  prisoners  in  case  they  \vere  not  released  ou  bail ;  we  were  armed ;  arms  were  brought 
there  and  Dr.  Bartleston  and  Munroe  had  double-barrel  guns  and  pistols ;  Munroe  said 
he  was  mounting  guards  to  protect  the  prisoners  in  jail,  and  that  in  case  they  were  not 
released  Sunday  he  would  be  one  of  a  party  to  help  do  it  Sunday  night ;  but  not  to  do 
it  Saturday  night ;  but  that  he  had  telegraphed  to  Governor  Holden  and  was  in  hopes 
that  some  satisfactory  arrangements  might  be  made. 

The  defendants  did  not  care  to  question  the  witness.     The  judge  read  the  testimony 
to  the  witness,  and  he  subscribed  to  the  same. 


AFTERNOON. 

The  examination  was  resumed  shortly  after  three  o'clock. 

JOSEPH  P.  PARROTT,  a  witness  for  the  State,  was  sworn  and  questioned  by  A.  S.  Sey- 
mour, esq. : 

I  was  twenty-five  years  old  the  22d  day  of  last  April.  I  live  in  Lenoir  County,  eight 
miles  from  Kinston ;  have  lived  there  since  my  birth.  I  am  acquainted  with  the  pris- 
oners at  the  bar;  I  have  been  a  member  of  an  organisation  with  them  ;  it  was  culled 
the  Constitutional  Union  Guard,  commonly  known  as  the  Ku-Klux  Klau.  I  connected 
myself  with  the  organization,  I  think,  on  the  evening  of  the  first  Sunday  in  April  last ; 
I  was  initiated  on  the  Sabbath.  I  think  all  the  prisoners  were  members,  excepting, 
perhaps,  Mr.  Parker.  Those  present  were  A.  Munroe,  Jeftersou  Perry,  Franklin  Hill, 
Everett  Hill,  Ben.  F.  Jones,  and,  I  think,  Zack  Parker,  (I  knew  him  as  Jack  Parker,) 
Jesse  C.  Kennedy,  Ash  Devane,  Samuel  Perry,  James  Perry,  Henry  Groom,  Joel  Hiues, 
William  Hines.  David  Smith,  Geo.  Tillon,  Clay  Huggins,  Thomas  Uzzle,  Alex.  Dawson, 
Joseph  Barrow,  Bright  Harper,  Zack  Harper,  Daniel  Davis,  James  Hines,  Thomas  Wil- 
liford,  and  several  others  I  don't  recollect.  George  Tillon  introduced  me  to  the  organ- 
ization. Jesse  Kennedy  was  south  commander,  A.  Monroe  was  north  commander,  and 
Ash  Devane  was  a  commander ;  I  don't  know  whether  he  was  east  or  west ;  George 
Tillon  was  conductor;  I  heard  of  other  officers,  but  don't  remember  them.  Mr.  Tillon, 
as  conductor,  met  myself  and  several  others — Joshua  F.  Suggs,  Joseph  Lassiter,  Clay 
Huggins,  Joe  Barrow,  and  Thomas  Uzzle;  I  don't  remember  whether  or  not  there  Were 
others ;  he  met  us  behind  Henry  Crooni's  still-house,  and  administered  an  oath  :  I  think 
he  had  a  sword  on  and  drew  it ;  I'm  certain  of  it.  He  first  asked  if  we  believed  in  a 
white  man's  government ;  we  answered  that  we  did.  He  asked  us  somewhere  in  the 
ceremony  if  we  promised  faithfully  to  labor  for  the  overthrow  of  the  republican  party. 
I  don't  recollect  the  oath.  He  blindfolded  each  one  of  us  with  a  handkerchief  aiid 
took  us  in  the  still-house;  had  us  to  kneel  down  after  we  got  in  there,  and  take  a  solemn 
obligation  to  go  to  the  rescue  of  a  brother  member  giving  a  cry  of  distress,  under  any 
circumstances,  even  to  the  risk  of  our  own  lives;  to  resist,  by  force  of  arms  if  neces- 
sary, any  aggression  of  our  legal  rights ;  to  restore  this  government  to  the  control  of 
"white  men,  by  force  of  arms  if  necessary.  After  that  we  were  told  to  arise,  and  I 
think  Ash  Devaue  presented  us  to  the  north  commander  for  instructions,  which 
was  Mr.  A.  Monroe.  He  gave  us  instructions  as  to  the  signs,  cry  of  distress,  &c., 
also  the  pass-words;  then  we  were  told,  by  Ash  Devaue,  I  think,  that  they  received 
us  as  brother  members.  In  the  oath  it  said,  to  obey  all  orders  of  all  officers  belonging 
to  the  organization.  In  the  meeting  there  was  a  motion  made  to  appoint  a  com- 
mittee to  keep  a  lookout  for  Sheriff  Colgrove,  Shepard,  a  magistrate  in  Trenton. 
and  Mr.  Wilkie,  and  that  if  they  made  any  move  in  force  to  let  it  be  known,  so 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  51 

that  it  could  be  met  by  a  force  ;  and  if  any  member  had  a  chance  to  kill  either 
one,  and  would  do  it,  they  would  be  supported  in  it  by  the  organization.  I  don't 
remember  who  made  the  motion,  it  was  by  some  member  of  the  organization  in 
open  meeting;  I  don't  know  whether  anybody  opposed  it;  it  was  carried,  I  think, 
without  a  dissenting  voice ;  the  meeting  was  held  in  the  still-house  ;  I  went  the  back- 
way  and  saw  no  road  ;  I  crossed  the  river  in  a  small  boat  and  went  through  the  plan- 
tation ;  we  went  to  the  house  after  the  initiation  ;  I  think  there  was  a  house  in  sight ; 
this  was  about  three  o'clock  p.  m.  It  was  Henry  Croom's  still :  at  the  time  of  the 
motion  about  Colgrove,  &c.,  the  prisoners  were  all  there  except,  perhaps,  Mr.  Barker, 
I  am  not  sure  about  him  ;  I  do  not  know  who  put  the  question  ;  Thomas  I'/./lc  and 
myself  were  on  the  committee;  I  don't  remember  the  names  of  the  others  ;  they  lived 
near  Jones  Count;.  :  I  don't  know  which  county  they  Jived  in.  We  were  told  to  keep 
a  good  lookout  for  Stephen  Lassiter,  or  anybody  who  was  taking  an  active  part  in 
finding  out  anything  about  the  organization  or  arresting  the  members.  I  understood 
that  it  was  my  duty,  if  I  knew  anything  going  on  against  the  regulators,  to  inform 
the  south  commander,  who  would  call  a  meeting  and  make  preparations  to  meet  them  : 
I  don't  recollect  as  there  was  any  other  business  of  importance  ;  we  had  some  whiskey  ; 
we  were  instructed  that  it  was  our  duty  to  assist  each  other  under  any  circumstances  : 
if  any  member  was  on  trial  in  court  it  was  our  duty  to  put  ourselves  in  the  way  of 
the  sheriff  so  as  to  get  on  the  jury  and  acquit  him;  if  there  was  a  member  in  serions 
trouble,  it  was  our  duty  to  stand  his  bail  so  that  he  could  make  his  escape ;  we  were 
instructed  that  it  should  be  our  duty  to  prove  an  alibi  for  any  member  who  was  ar- 
rested charged  with  a  crime  ;  I  understood  that  if  any  officer  instructed  me  to  kill  a 
man  who  was  opposing  the  organization  I  ought  to  kill  him.  Jesse  C.  Kennedy, 
south  commander,  ordered  me  and  Ash  Devane  to  kill  a  man,  and  we  did  it ;  that 
man  was  James  Grant;  Grant  was  a  bad  man  and  we  knew  that  he  knew  something 
against  some  of  the  members,  and  we  wanted  to  put  him  out  of  the  way.  fearing 
that  he  might  be  used  as  witness  against  them ;  the  instructions  at  the  meeting 
about  murdering  were  given  by  the  officers  in  open  meeting  ;  when  the  meeting  broke 
up  about  sunset,  I  went  home  ;  stopped  at  Jesse  Kennedy's  on  the  way  ;  some  of  the 
members  of  the  meeting  were  there  armed  with  pistols ;  a  majority  of  them  were,  if  not 
all:  I  don't  remember  whether  or  not  there  were  any  guns;  I  attended  one  meeting 
after  that,  I  think  it  was  in  June,  at  the  same  place  ;  it  was  about  ten  miles  from  where  I 
lived;  I  went  in  company  with  Mr.  Monroe,  from  Kinstou ;  Jett'erson  Parrott  and  Frank- 
lin Hill  were  there;  don't  recollect  about  the  others  ;  we  went  in  and  Jesse  Kennedy 
stated  that  they  had  elected  new  officers,  that  he  had  thrown  up  his  office,  and  named 
the  officers  that  had  been  elected ;  Henry  Croom  was  south  commander;  I  don't  remem- 
ber the  other  officers;  some  members  of  the  organization  said  that  Sheriff  Colgrove 
had  been  killed.  I  think  it  was  stated  -that  they  hoped  it  would  not  be  long  before 
some  of  the  others  were  killed,  meaning,  I  suppose,  those  that  a  committee  had  been 
appointed  to  look  out  for.  We  got  there  late,  and  the  meeting  broke  up  about  sunset. 
I  went  down  to  Samuel  Perry's  shoe  shop,  near  Mr.  Kennedy's,  twice  with  some  mem- 
bers to  be  initiated.  It  was  in  Lenoir  County.  I  was  present  when  Devane  was  res- 
cued from  jail.  I  was  present  when  he  was  arrested  in  Kinstou  Saturday  evening, 
about  sundown,  May  1.  Ash  Devane  requested  me  to  go  to  Jesse  Kennedy's  and  let 
him  know  that  he  was  in  jail,  so  that  he  could  make  arrangements  to  have  him  taken 
out.  I  went  to  Kennedy's  with  George  Tillon ;  we  called  Kennedy  out  and  told  him 
I  )evane  was  in  jail.  He  gave  us  something  to  eat  and  his  horse,  and  told  us  to  go  back 
and  he  would  be  back  the  very  next  day  with  others  and  make  arrangements  to  get 
him  ont.  We  went  back,  and  went  to  Mr.  Monroe's  office  and  found  him  and  Dr.  Bar- 
tleson  there,  and  stayed  until  day.  Kennedy  sent  Jack  Harper  with  us  back  to  town. 
Kennedy  came  down  with  Jefferson  Perry  Sunday  morning  and  knocked  about  till 
night,  and  Devane  did  not  get  out.  Mr.  Perry  and  Mr.  Kennedy  left,  and  said  one 
would  go  upon  each  side  of  the  river  and  order  the  men  in,  and  stated  where  they  were 
to  meet  us  who  were  in  town.  We  met  them  as  agreed ;  twenty-five  men  I  think. 
We  organized  between  the  Neuse  bridge  and  Kinstou,  and  George  Tillon  and  I  were  to 
go  over  the  river  and  get  the  Hill  boys  and  the  rest,  and  meet  with  the  rest ;  we  did 
so.  Those  who  I  recollect  of  the  party  Avere  Henry  Croom,  Bright  Harper,  /ack  Har- 
per. William  Hiues,  Joel  Hines,  Redden  Hines,  Franklin  Hill,  Everett  Hill,  Egbert 
IIill.(!eorge  Tillon,  and  others  I  do  not  now  recollect,  from  over  the  river  ;  besides  there 
were  Samuel  Perry.  James  Perry,  Alexander  Dawson.  Thomas  Williford,  who  I  recol- 
lect. All  Hie  prisoners  were  there  except  A.  Monroe  and  Jett'erson  Perry.  I  could  not 
say  positively  about  Jack  Parker;  I  heard  his  name  called  ;  it  was  dark  when  we  met, 
between  eleven  and  twelve  o'clock  at  night.  We  went  to  the  jail  and  took  out  Ash 
Devane  and  James  Hines.  We  were  armed  with  revolvers  and  double-barreled  guns. 
I  recollect  having  seen  the  most  of  them  in  the  meetings  of  the  C.  1'.  (J..  or  the  Ku- 
Klux  Klau.  They  appointed  a  commander  for  the  night.  1  think  it  was  one  of  tin- 
Harper  boys.  I  was  not  at  the  jail  door  myself.  I  heard  licks  on  the  door:  soon  after 
the  door  flew  open  and  Devane  and  Hines  came  out,  each  one  with  a  pi>tol  i:i  his  hand. 
We  gathered  together  and  gave  three  cheers  :  then  started  in  the  direction  of  Neu»e 


52  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

River  bridge.  When  we  got  out  of  town  five  of  us  went  back  after  Devane's  and  my 
horses.  We  got  them  and  I  started  for  home.  Devane  rode  a  couple  of  miles  or  so 
with  me ;  we  parted  and  I  went  home. 

Cross-questioned  by  GEO.  GREEN,  esq. : 

I  did  not  kill  Sheriff  O.  R.  Colgrove,  and  do  not  know  who  did. 
Questioned  by  Judge  THOMAS  : 

When  did  you  leave  the  organization  ? — Answer.  I  never  did  leave  it ;  I  don't 
know  how  many  members  there  are,  probably  a  hundred ;  I  have  heard  of  them 
in  Jones  and  Greene  Counties,  and  one  m  Craven  ;  Mr.  Hancock  said  he  joined  in 
Raleigh  a  year  ago  ;  Robert  Hancock,  deputy  sheriff;  I  hear  meetings  have  been  held 
since  I  attended ;  a  deputation  was  sent  to  tell  me  to  come  to  a  meeting  the  first 
Saturday  in  September ;  the  order  to  kill  Grant  was  given  at  Kennedy's  house  and 
other  places ;  Devane  also  ordered  it,  and  he  was  an  officer  ;  if  I  had  seen  an  officer  of 
the  law  have  in  custody  a  member  of  our  order,  I  should  release  him  if  it  was  in  my 
power ;  we  intend  to  resist  the  law  when  it  is  in  our  power,  even  at  the  risk  of  our 
lives  ;  I  have  received  personal  aid  and  assistance  from  the  citizens  of  the  county,  who 
did  not  belong  to  the  organization— people  who  stand  high  in  the  community  ;  when 
we  were  told  by  an  officer  to  kill  a  man  we  considered  it  our  duty  to  do  so. 

Mr.  Parrott  subscribed  to  the  above  testimony. 

JOSEPH  LASSITER,  being  called  by  the  State,  was  questioned  by  W.  J.  CLARK,  esq., 
and  testified : 

I  was  22  years  old  the  22d  of  last  April ;  I  live  in  Greene  County  ;  I  am  a 
member  of  a  secret  organization  in  Lenoir  County  :  I  joined  in  April,  1869  ;  some  called 
it  the  Union  Guards,  and  some  called  it  'the  Ku-Klux  Klan  ;  it  was  commonly  called 
the  Ku-Klnx ;  the  existence  of  the  organization  was  not  known  outside  the  organiza- 
tion ;  the  time  and  places  of  meeting  were  not  made  known  to  the  public  at  large ; 
the  meetings  were  held  secretly ;  the  members  attended  the  meetings  armed  ;  I  never 
attended  but  one  meeting  ;  the  object  of  the  organization  was  to  overthrow  the  radical 
party ;  they  had  officers  called  south  commander,  north  commander,  east  commander, 
and  west  commander  ;  they  had  a  conductor  and  treasurer  ;  Jesse  C.  Kennedy,  south 
commander,  was  the  head  man  at  the  time  I  joined;  I  don't  remember  the  other  com- 
manders; Geo.  Tillon  was  conductor;  members  were  to  be  upward  of  18  years  of 
age ;  I  was  made  a  member  at  Mr.  Croom's  still-house  in  Leuoir  County. 

[The  still  referred  to  has  been  for  a  long  time  in  operation,  manufacturing  spirits 
contrary  to  law,  the  owner  never  having  paid  the  Government  tax.  It  was  situated  in 
the  woods  away  from  any  public  road,  and  utterly  concealed  from  public  view.  Deputy 
United  States  Marshal  Robert  C.  Kehoe  learning  these  facts  a  few  months  ago,  sent  a 
deputy  to  take  possession  of  the  still  and  arrest  its  owner.  The  deputy  was  driven 
away,  and  was  unable  to  carry  out  his  instructions.  Shortly  after  Marshal  Kehoe  went 
to  Goldsboro,  took  a  detachment  of  soldiers,  and  went  in  a  roundabout  way,  caught 
the  parties  napping,  and  took  the  still.  Mr.  Croom  procured  bonds  for  his  appearance 
in  court,  and  is  now  "  absent,"  much  to  the  chagrin  of  his  bondsman.  One  James 
•Grant,  a  colored  man,  who  was  to  have  been  a  witness  for  the  United  States  in  the 
case,  has  since  been  murdered,  and  the  evidence  of  Joseph  P.  Parrott  tells  why  and  how- 
he  met  his  fate. — REPORTER.] 

I  think  there  was  twenty-five  or  thirty  members  present ;  Joseph  P.  Parrott,  Joshua 
Suggs,  Thomas  Uzzle,  and  Clay  Huggins  joined  at  the  same  time  I  did.  We  went 
behind  the  still-house,  and  Mr.  Tillon  came  and  asked  if  we  believed  in  a  white  man's 
government ;  I  told  him  I  did  ;  they  blindfolded  us  then  and  took  us  in  the  still-house 
and  caused  us  to  kneel ;  we  then  took  an  oath ;  we  put  our  hands  on  the  Bible ;  I 
cannot  give  the  words  of  the  oath  ;  as  far  as  I  remember,  it  was  to  overthrow  the 
radical  party,  and  to  restore  the  Government  into  the  hands  of  white  men,  by  the 
force  of  arms  for  our  legal  rights  if  necessary ;  to  obey  all  orders  of  all  officers ;  I 
xinderstood  that  if  I  had  orders  out  of  the  meeting  as  well  as  in,  I  was  to  obey  them  : 
anything  said  or  done  in  the  meeting  was  to  be  kept  secret ;  I  took  no  other  oath ; 
there  was  another  oath  to  take,  but  I  never  went  back  ;  I  was  instructed  if  any  one 
was  looking  for  any  of  the  members  to  arrest  them,  to  make  it  known  to  an  officer  of 
the  Klan,  or  any  other  brother  member ;  the  members  were  then  to  assist  the  member 
whom  an  officer  was  looking  for ;  we  were  to  help  him  by  the  law  if  we  could  ;  if  not, 
otherwise ;  I  mean  bail  him  out  if  we  could ;  if  not,  take  him  out ;  I  mean  break  open 
the  jail  and  take  him  out ;  by  being  in  distress,  I  mean  if  we  should  get  in  jail  or  in 
distress  in  any  way ;  these  instructions  were  given  in  public  meeting,  in  the  hearing 
of  all  the  members  assembled;  they  were  given  by  Jesse  Kennedy,  Henry  Croom,  and 
Ash  Devane,  perhaps  others;  there  was  a  committee  appointed  to  watch  out  for 
Colgrove  and  Wilkie;  I  mean  Sheriff  Colgrove,  also  Stephen  Lassiter ;  I  mean  if  they 
arrested  anybody  to  kill  them,  and  if  they  came  with  force  to  meet  them  with  force ; 
I  mean  if  they  tried  to  arrest  any  one  of  the  Klan,  to  kill  them  ;  Tom  Uzzle  and  Joe  Parrott 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  53 

were  all  that  I  knew  on  the  committee;  no  long  speeches  were  made  :  Mr.  Kennedy 
made  some  little  public  talk,  urging  them  to  assist  white  men  ;  it  was  then  about  :'. 
o'clock  p.  m.;  it  was  in  a  private  place  ;  I  think  a  very  private  place,  off  from  a  house 
where  anybody  staid;  no  public  road  ran  by  it,  or  private  road  either;  Mr.  Monroe 
and  Jefferson  Perry  were  there ;  I  am  not  acquainted  with  the  other  men  ;  I  did  not  talk 
with  the  members  about  the  Klan ;  I  do  not  know  anything  about  the  jail-breaking  in 
Kinston  ;  have  not  been  instructed  by  the  counsel  for  the  State  as  to  the  evidence  I 
should  give,  nor  has  any  other  witness  to  my  knowledge;  the  State's  counsel  have 
made  no  suggestion  to  me  or  any  other  witnesses  that  I  know  of;  the  counsel  for  the 
State  has  made  no  promises  except  that  what  I  said  should  not  be  used  against  me. 

Cross-examined  by  C.  C.  CLARK,  esq. : 

When  I  joined  the  organization,  the  sign  of  recognition  given  was  to  put  your  right 
hand  on  the  breast;  the  sign  of  distress,  is  the  hands  behind  the  head  ;  the  grip,  is  a 
shake  of  the  hand  with  the  forefinger  doubled  in  ;  (the  witness  shook  hands  with  Law- 
yer Clark  to  show  him  how  it  was  done.) 

Questioned  by  Judge  THOMAS  : 

I  know  of  no  such  organization  in  Greene  County  ;  I  understood  that  if  I  had  been 
told  by  an  officer  to  kill  my  brother  or  father,  I  should  have  felt  obliged  to  do  it.  I 
never  talked  with  any  members  about  it  except  Joe  Parrott.  The  oath  was,  to  obey  all 
officers,  and  do  anything  they  told  you;  I  thought  they  would  kill  a  fellow  if  they  did 
not  obey  the  officers.  I  think  they  will  kill  me  if  they  can.  1  expect  to  be  killed,  air ;  1 
don't  know  who  will  do  it ;  I  fear  "none  that  are  here,  but  those  up  near  my  house  say 
they  will  kill  any  fellow  who  turns  State's  evidence. 

Mr.  Lassiter  signed  to  the  written  evidence.  The  case  Avas  continued  till  this  moru- 
ing  at  10  o'clock. 

Jesse  Kennedy,  of  Lenoir,  hearing  that  a  warrant  was  out  for  him,  yesterday  gave 
himself  up  to  the  sheriff  of  Lenoir,  who  brought  him  to  this  city  last  night.  He  is  now 
in  the  charge  of  the  sheriff  of  Lenoir,  and  will  undoubtedly  have  an  examination. 

A.  G.  Hubbard,  esq.,  offered  a  bond  in  the  sum  of  $10,000,  for  the  bail  of  A.  Monroe, 
for  to-day,  and  to  insure  his  appearance  .at  an  examination  to  be  held  to-morrow.  The 
bond  was  accepted. 

Thus  ended  the  third  day's  examination,  and  what  does  it  tell  ?  Simply  this :  That 
if  the  evidence  is  to  be  believed,  there  is  a  state  of  affairs  in  this  State  which  sends  a 
chill  of  horror  over  everybody,  and  every  man,  without  regard  to  political  principles, 
should  have  an  earnest  desire  to  have  the  thing  fully  investigated,  and  sifted  to  the 
very  bottom.  If  these  charges  cannot  be  sustained,  the  people  should  be  relieved  of  the 
terrible  suspicion,  and  if  the  witnesses  told  the  truth,  and  there  is,  as  yet,  no  reason  to 
douli  their  word,  the  law-abiding  citizens  should  wish  to  have  the  perpetrators  of  the 
horrible  crimes  punished,  and  their  diabolical  organizations  rooted  out  of  the  country. 
It  is  to  be  hoped,  not  only  the  courts  will  investigate  the  affairs  before  an  impartial  jury, 
but  that  the  people  of  this  section,  who  love  order  and  detest  crime,  will  render  all 
means  in  their  power  to  have  the  truth  vindicated. 

THE  KX.VMr.VATIO.N  OK  TIM:    KI'-KI.rX    KLAN  OK  COXSTITUTIOXAL  UNION  tH'AIiMS. 

FOCKTII  HAY. — Continuation  of  the  conxpiracy  examination. 

At  the  usual  time  in  the  morning  spectators  began  to  pour  in,  and  by  the  time  the 
examination  commenced,  the  court-house  was  well  filled. 

Mr.  U.  D.  Colgrove  and  E.  Hubbs  were  called  by  the  Stan-,  and  sworn. 

Mr.  HuiiHS,  as  questioned  by  AV.  J.  CI,U:KI:.  says  : 

I  knew  Sheriff  Colgrove.  His  name  was  Orson  K.  Colgrove.  He  was  sheriff  of  Jones 
County.  1  have  known  him  about  five  years.  He  is  not  now  living.  He  died  on  the 
•29th  day  of  May  last.  He  was  shot  to  death.  I  saw  his  body  after  his  death.  I  did 
not  see  him  after  he  was  shot  before  he  died.  I  saw  him  twenty-four  hours  after  his 
death.  1  saw  part  of  his  wounds;  saw  two  of  his  wounds  in  the  left  side  of  his  face. 
I  do  not  know  how  far  they  penetrated:  they  were  well  up.  just  below  the  temple,  and 
ranged  upward.  I  saw  no  other  wounds. 

Cross-questioned  by  the  defendant's  counsel,  Mr.  P.KYAN  : 
I  do  not  know  whether  0.  K.  Colgrove  belonged  to  the  Loyal  L-ague. 

D.  1).  Coi.(,i:ovi:,  being  questioned  by  \V.  .1.  CI.AKKI:,  say-  : 

My  name  is  David  I).  Colgrove.  Sheriff  Colgrove  was  my  half  brother.  I  think  1 
saw  his  body  about  half  an  hour  after  he  was  shot.  1  judge  by  the  report  of  the  guns 
which  no  doubt  killed  him.  I  saw  the  body  at  his  residence  in  Jones  County.  1  B»W 
his  Avouuds.  They  Avere  freshly  bleeding  at  the  time  1  saw  them.  The  largest,  one  \\  as 
near  the  heart:  it*  was  caused,  I  judge,  by  a  bullet  or  slug.  Two  balls  struct  the  right 


54  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

arm  and  went  into  the  body.  I  think  there  was  one  wound  very  near  the  throat ;  I 
should  judge  it  was  from  a  hall  also,  or  a  very  large  shot.  I  think  there  were  two 
others  on  the  right  side,  but  I  would  not  say  certain ;  I  could  not  stand  it  to  look  at 
them,  but  there  were  three  on  the  left  side  near  the  back,  above  the  hip.  It  showed 
plainly  that  the  clothes  were  burned  by  the  fire  which  came  from  the  shot.  His  under- 
shirt and  vest  were  burned  badly.  There  were  three  other  shots,  one  somewhere  near 
the  jaw  on  the  left  side,  the  other  two  above,  below  the  temple,  very  close  together.  I 
visited  the  place  where  my  brother  was  shot  and  saw  the  blood  there,  but  did  not  visit 
it  that  day. 

Cross-examined  J>y  Mr.  BRYAN  for  the  defendants  : 

He  was  the  member  of  no  secret  organization.  He  was  not  a  member  of  the  Union 
League.  I  am  a  member  of  the  Union  League;  joined  in  1864,  I  think,  in  New  York 
State.  Attended  one  meeting  and  no  other. 

Question  by  Judge  THOMAS: 

I  took  no  obligation  in  the  League  which  would  oblige  a  man  to  violate  any  law,  to 
do  any  crime,  or  do  anything  in  violation  to  the  duty  I  owed  to  my  God,  rny  family,  or 
my  country. 

Question  by  GEOKGE  GREEN,  esq.  : 

The  oath  they  take  is  as  near  as  possible  as  follows  :  "  We  solemnly  swear  to  support 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  against  any  foes,  foreign  or  domestic."  The  oath 
taken  by  the  members  of  the  League  in  North  Carolina  is  the  same,  I  suppose,  but  I 
never  attended  the  League  in  North  Carolina. 

Judge  Thomas  said:  "I  wish  it  understood  that  I  do  not  belong  to  an  organization 
that  agrees  to  commit  crime,  and  it  is  generally  known  that  I  am  a  member  of  the 
Loyal  League.  I  say  that  no  body  of  men  can  bind  me  in  an  organization  that  i> 
pledged  to  commit  crime." 

George  Green,  esq.,  disclaimed  anything  personal  in  his  question,  and  did  not  know 
that  Judge  Thomas  was  a  member  of  the  Loyal  League.  C.  C.  Clark  said  the  same. 

No  more  witnesses  were  introduced  by  the  State.  No  testimony  was  introduced  for 
the  defendants. 

Judge  Thomas  said,  there  being  no  evidence  for  the  defense,  he  should  require  the 
prisoners  to  enter  into  a  bond  for  their  appearance  at  the  next  term  of  the  Lenoir 
County  superior  court. 

Mr.  Hubbard,  for  the  defense,  wished  Monroe  discharged,  as  lie  was  not  proved  to  be 
connected  with  the  affair. 

The  judge  stated  that  procuring  men  to  go  on  a  jury  for  the  sake  of  perjury,  and 
cited  other  instances  which  would  constitute  a  conspiracy.  The  judge  placed  the  bond 
at  $1,000  each,  and  $1,000  to  keep  the  peace  toward  Joseph  P.  Parrott,  George  W.  Tal- 
lon,  and  Joseph  Lassiter,  and  all  good  citizens,  for  twelve  months. 

George  Green,  esq.,  says  :  Jesse  C.  Kennedy  is  in  court,  and  is  charged  with  the  same 
offense  as  the  others,  conspiracy.  He  waives  an  examination. 

W.  J.  Clarke  for  tlie  State  :  We  prefer  to  examine  the  witnesses  in  this  case,  unless 
the  prisoner  will  acknowledge  that  the  testimony  given  in  regard  to  him  be  acknowl- 
edged by  him  as  given  in  the  case  of  the  others  to  apply  to  him. 

It  was  decided  to  serve  a  new  warrant,  and  he  will  be  examined  this  morning  at  10 
o'clock. 

END   OF  THE   KT-KH  X    EXAMINATION— FIFTH  DAY. 

Those  accused  of  murder  jailed.     The  otliera  under  bonds  for  tlteir  appearance. 

The  case  of  Mr.  C.  Kennedy  was  called.  The  counsel  for  the  defense  agreed  that 
Mr.  Kennedy  should  acknowledge  to  having  been  present  at  the  giving  of  the  evidence 
referring  to  him,  and  waived  any  cross-examination.  John  C.  Wooten  was  swoni  in 
regard  to  Mr.  Kennedy's  pecuniary  circumstances.  Mr.  Wooten  testified  that  he  was  a 
partner  of  Kennedy,  in  a  mill ;  considers  Kennedy  worth  ten  to  twelve  thousand  dol- 
lars. Judge  Thomas  required  a  bond  of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  his  appearance  at  the 
next  term  of  Lenior  County  superior  court,  and  also  a  bond  of  twenty-five  thousand 
dollars  to  keep  the  peace  for  twelve  months  toward  Joseph  Lassiter,  Geo.  W.  Tillou, 
and  Joseph  P.  Parrott.  The  bond  to  keep  peace  was  afterwards  reduced  to  $10,000. 

The  case  of  the  State  against  A.  Monroe,  charged  with  murder  in  Leuoir  County, 
•was  next  called  up,  and  the  affidavit  on  which  he  was  arrested  was  read.  Monroe 
pleaded  not  guilty ;  said,  "  I  was  not  there,  and  expect  to  be  able  at  some  time  to  prove 
it." 

Mr.  Hubbard,  for  the  defense,  stated  that  the  prisoner  was  not  ready  for  trial ;  that  a 
boy  who  was  telegraphed  for  as  a  witness  came  down,  found  Mr.  Monroe  in  jail,  and 
disappeared.  Mr.  Cox,  the  late  sheriff  of  Kinston,  was  also  expected  to  be  a  witness, 
but  lie  left  here  Friday  morning,  promising  to  be  back  at  night,  but  he  did  not  come, 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  55 

Johii  T.  Freeman,  a  former  jailer  in  Lenoir  County,  was  examined  by  R.  F.  Lehman, 
•esq.,  and  testified  as  follows  : 

I  reside  in  Lenoir  County  ;  have  lived  then-  thive  years  last  January,  or  three  next 
January.  I  don't  remember  which  ;  one  or  the  other.  I  am  going  in  fifty-three  years 
of  age  ;  I  shall  l>e  fifty-three  the  thirteenth  day  of  next  January.  I  moved  out  from 
Craven  up  in  Lenoir:  I  lived  in  Craven  during  the  war.  I  was  bred  and  born  in  Greene 
County,  North  Carolina  ;  went  from  there  to  Pitt  ;  from  there  to  Craven,  then  to  Lenoir. 
I  have  kept  boarding-house  in  Kiuston  since  I  have  been  there  ;  have  tended  a  mill 
lately.  I  have  been  jailer  there  in  Lenoir,  at  Kinstou,  about  two  years  up  To  last  court  ; 
about  court  week  ;  a  few  days  before  court;  about  the  time  Mr".  Cox  went  out  of  the 
office  of  sheriff'  ;  a  few  weeks  before  he  resigned  I  quit  the  jailers  place.  I  did  not  live 
ia  the  jail  while  I  was  jailer;  I  lived  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  jail,  at  a 
place  called  the  St.  Charles  Hotel,  if  any  of  you  know  where  that  is.  The  jail  was 
broken  open  several  limes  while  I  was  jailer;  can't  tell  how  many  ;  I  disremember. 
The  time  they  took  the  prisoners  out  was  on  the  24th  day  of  January,  at  night  ;  I 
think  in  1869;  I  think  I  have  got  it  where  I  can  tell,  (refers  to  his  memorandum 
book;)  I  set  down  the  dates  when  they  were  taken  out.  I  had  ten  prisoners,  I  think, 
in  the  jail;  those  I  remember  are  the  ones  which  were  taken  out  :  I  set  their  names 
down  the  next  day,  or  I  could  not  have  remembered  their  names.  This  is  the  correct 
list,  and  I  wrote  it  down  next  day,  or  day  after,  so  th.it  I  should  remember  which  they 
were  which  were  stolen  out.  I  kept  the  names  of  all  prisoners  in  this  book.  The 
ones  taken  out  were  Richard  Nobles,  a  white  man  ;  Robert  (Jrady.  colored  :  John  Mil- 
ler, colored  ;  Cater  Grady,  (I  spell  it  C-a-t-e-r,  don't  know  whether  I  spell  it  right,) 
colored;  Daniel  Smith,  colored.  I  think  that  was  all.  I  think  I  had  five  left  in  the 
jail  the  next  morning.  William  Hopps  was  in  the  same  cell  where  they  took  the  others 
out,  next  morning.  I  said,  "Hallo,  they  didn't  get  yon  ;"  he  said,  "No;  I  covered  myself 
up  in  the  blankets,  and  they  did  not  find  me.''  That  night,  between  twelve  and  one 
o'clock,  I  heard  somebody  knock  at  my  house  door.  I  got  up,  and  a  man  said  get  your 
keys  ;  we  have  got  a  prisoner.  I  went  out  and  said,  where  is  your  prisoner  !  They 
said  there  he  is  ;  pointing  to  two  men  on  a  liorsi-.  one  wrapped  up  in  ropes.  The  man 
said,  "  I  think  now  we  have  got  another  one  of  those  robbers."  I  said.  ••  It  will  be  afine 
thing  if  you  have."  When  we  got  to  the  jail  the  man  said,  "  Get  down,  you  d  —  d  son  of  a 
b  —  h."  They  all  came  in.  I  lit  a  candle,  and  they  said,  "  Let's  take  it."  I  handed  it  to 
one  of  them,  and  heard  something  go  click,  click.  They  said  we  are  going  to  have 
these  prisoners  or  your  life.  Give  me  your  keys.  They  took  the  keys,  and  two  went 
up  stairs,  and  one  stayed  with  me,  with  a  pistol  presented  at  my  head.  Just  then  I 
heard  horses  and  men  coming  up  to  the  jail,  and  saw  twenty  or  twenty-five  men.  Those 
up  stairs  said,  "  We  can't  unlock  the  door  ;  you  will  have  to  bring  the  old  rascal  up  here.'' 
Two  took  me  up,  and  I  turned  the  bolt,  and  they  took  me  away.  I  heard  them  tying 
the  rope,  and  when  they  came  out  the  prisoners  were  tied  ;  the  men  had  something 
hanging  on  their  heads,  and  behind  them  came  Mr.  Monroe,  who  put  his  pistol 
through  the  grates  and  threatened  them  ;  don't  know  what  he  said.  When  they  went 
out  they  said,  "  Captain,  which  way  shall  we  go?"  He  said,  "Toward  the  Stnbbs 
plaee  :"  the  man  held  me  till  they  were  gone,  and  then  jumped  on  his  horse  and  was 
oft'. 

He  repeated  the  story  for  the  clerk  to  take  the  testimony,  as  follows: 

Questioned  by  W.  J.  CLARKE,  esq.: 

On  the  night  of  the  24th  of  January,  1869,  a  man  came  to  my  door  and  knocked.  I 
got  up,  and  he  said,  "Come  down  ;  we  have  got  a  prisoner  here."  I  went  in  and  got 
the  keys,  and  as  I  walked  out  on  the  porch,  and  he  got  on  his  horse,  I  said,  "Where  is 
your  prisoner?"  He  said,  "There  he  is,"  pointing  to  another  horse  where  two  men 
were  on,  the  hindmost  man  having  ropes  all  round  him  ;  I  cannot  say  whether  he  was 
tied  or  no  ;  then  he  started  on  to  the  jail.  He  said,  "  We  have  got  another  one  of  these 
robbers;  I  think  AVB  have  got  them  all  now."  Said  I,  "If  you  have  it's  a  fine  thing." 
Said  I,  "  Is  he  white  or  black  ?"  He  said,  "  He  is  a  white  man."  I  couldn't  tell  whether 
he  was  white  or  black;  he  was  in  the  middle  of  the  street  and  I  was  on  the  sidewalk  ; 
I  think  it  was  from  ten  to  twelve  steps  from  me  to  him.  There  was  no  more  said,  and 
we  went  on  to  the  jail.  When  we  got  to  the  jail  I  unlocked  the  door  and  looked  round 
at  them;  the  man  that  came  to  my  house  first  said  to  the  prisoner,  "Get  down,  you 
d  —  d  son  of  a  b  —  h,  and  come  in  here."  He  got  down  and  they  stepped  into  the  jail 
and  said,  "  Where  are  you  going  to  put  this  prisoner  ?"  I  said,  "  I  reckon  I  will  put  him 


you  going  to  put  this  prisoner  ?"   I  said,  "  I  reckon  I  will  put  him 

ed  me,  then,  where  th 
go  up.       I  said,  "Hold  on, 
candle  I  heard  the  cocking  of  the  pistols—  click,  click  :  I  saw  the  pistols  before  in  their 


with  the  rest."    He  asked  me,  then,  where  the  rest  -were.     I  said,  "  Up  stairs,  in  a  cell. 
He  said,  "Let's  go  up."     I  said,  "Hold  on,  let's  strike  a  light."    As  I  was  lighting  the 


hands;  if  the  prisoner  had  a  pistol  I  never  saw  it.  As  I  lit  the  candle  one  of  the  men 
said,  "Let  me  hold  it  for  you:"  and  when  he  took  hold  of  it  another  took  me  1>.\  the 
•collar.  I  didn't  know  either  of  thorn  ;  neither  had  anything  on  their  faces;  the  ropes 
fell  oif  the  prisoner;  the  men  had  pistols  pointed  at  me.  and  I  was  studying  the  men 


56  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

with  the  pistols  ami  not  the  prisoner ;  lie  out  'with  his  knife  and  commenced  cutting 
the  rope  to  pieces.  I  said,  "What  do  you  mean — you  ain't  going  to  tie  me,  are  you  f ' 
Says  he,  "  I  am  going  to  have  those  prisoners,  or  have  your  life,  or  be  killed,  one.  If 
you  make  any  alarm  at  all  1  shall  kill  you."  I  told  him  to  take  the  pistol  down,  for  I 
could  keep  just  as  still  -without  its  being  held  to  my  head,  for  he  might  accidentally 
pull  the  trigger  too  hard  and  shoot  me  bad ;  so  he  took  it  down  and  said,  "  Be  careful, 
and  not  make  any  disturbance."  Two  went  up  stairs,  one  of  them  being  the  prisoner, 
(I  mean  the  one  they  told  me  was  the  prisoner,)  the  other  kept  hold  of  me  ;  he  never 
turned  me  loose  all  the  time  ;  they  went  up  stairs,  and  they  couldn't  unlock  the  door; 
they  hallooed  down,  "You  will  have  to  fetch  that  old  rascal  up  here."  They  were 
speaking  to  the  man  that  had  hold  of  me ;  so  one  came  running  down  stairs,  and 
the  one  who  had  hold  of  me  helped  him  to  carry  me  up  stairs;  about  that  time 
I  heard  people  running,  horses'  heels,  and  that  like,  come  running  up  from  behind 
the  jail  and  from  the  market-house ;  there  were  some  fifteen  or  twenty ;  they  Avere 
all  that  number,  I  should  think;  all  -were  armed,  some  Avith  pistols  and  some  Avitli 
guns ;  they  Avere  out  of  doors ;  they  neA-er  come  in ;  they  came  up  Avitli  horses.  When 
they  got  me  up  stairs  they  ordered  me  to  unlock  the  door,  and  I  did  it;  as  soon  as  I 
had  unlocked  it  they  shoA'ed  me  aAvay  from  the  door  and  hallooed  for  more  help  ;  they 
came  up,  about  three  or  four  men;  some  had  on  old  ragged  clothes,  and  some  had 
something  tied  over  their  heads ;  they  were  all  disguised ;  I  didn't  kuoAv  who  they  were ; 
Mr.  Monroe  came  up  behind  them,  Lawyer  Monroe,  the  gentleman  AV!IO  sits  over  there, 
(pointing  to  A.  Monroe;)  Mr.  Monroe  Avas  not  disguised;  there  Avert-  other  men  Avho 
Avere  not  disguised  ;  -I  did  not  know  Avho  they  were.  Mr.  Monroe  is  all  the  man  that  I 
knew  among  the  crowd  who  came  in  the  jail  ;  I  have  been  knowing  Mr.  Monroe  ever 
since  he  came  to  Kinston,  perhaps  six,  eight,  or  twelve  months,  and  have  seen  him 
often  ;  sometimes  I  saAv  him  two  or  three  times  a  day,  and  then  I  Avouldu't  see  him 
for  a  week  ;  we  met  and  talked  frequently,  oftentimes  ;  I  kneAv  it  Avas  him,  Avas  satis- 
fied of  it ;  he  had  on  the  same  clothes,  I  think,  that  night  that  he  had  on  the  day  before  ; 
I  think  they  were  dark  clothes ;  I  saw  his  face  ;  they  had  my  candle  ;  Monroe  came 
within  three  or  four  steps  of  me  in  the  passage  ;  the  candle  Avas  burning  at  the  cell 
door  in  the  passage ;  he  came  within  four  or  fiVe  steps  of  me  :  he  looked  round  and 
saw  me  and  shook  his  head  at  me,  but  said  nothing;  he  turned  round,' walked  doAvii 
stairs,  and  I  saw  no  more  of  him  that  night.  Monroe  went  out  of  my  sight  before  the 
prisoners  Avere  brought  out  of  the  cells.  Then  they  took  the  prisoners  out ;  I  heard 
the  jerks  of  the  rope,  and  when  they  came  out  they  were  tied  ;  they  took  them  down 
stairs,  and  there  Avas  a,  crowd  there  to  receiATe  them.  I  could  see  the  crowd  out  doors ; 
I  looked  through  the  AviudoAvs  and  saw  them  ;  some  were  on  horses,  some  011  foot ;  some 
one  said,  "  Captain,  Avhich  way  shall  we  go  ?  "  The  reply  Avas,  "  Go  toward  the  Stubbs 
place."  They  walked  off  and  left, ;  they  marched  off ;  it  AA*as  a  moonlight  night ; 
Stubb's  place  is  on  the  county  road  which  leads  out  to  the  county  bridge  ;  Stubb's 
place  is  the  last  house  in  town  going  to  the  county  bridge.  I  don't  think  there  is  an- 
other house  beyond  ;  Tom  Preston  lives  at  the  Stubbs  place;  don't  kiioAv  for  certain 
Avhether  he  lived  there  then  or  not ;  I  reckon  it  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
Stubbs  place  to  the  county  bridge  ;  I  think  it  is  called  a  mile  from  the  jail  to  the 
county  bridge,  as  nearly  as  I  can  guess  at  it  ;  you  cannot  see  the  county  bridge  fronL 
the  jail;  I  don't  kiioAv  that  you  can  see  houses  beyond  the  bridge  from  the  jail,  but 
I  think  you  can  stand  in  the  street  near  the  jail  and  see  houses  on  the  other  side  of 
the  riA-er;  there  are  houses,  bushes,  and  a  corn-field  between  the  county  jail  and  the 
bridge.  After  they  left  the  jail  I  heard  the  report  of  fire-arms;  I  think  it  was  in  the 
course  of  half  an  hour  after  they  left  the  jail ;  I  heard  one  report,  like  there  was  a  sort 
of  a  volley  fired  off.'  I  heard  no  other  noise  at  that  time  ;  from  the  report  the  shooting 
appeared  to  nieto  be  in  the  direction  of  the  bridge.  I  think  that  the  sheriff  or  one  of 
the  deputies  were  then  present  when  I  put  the  prisoners  in  jail;  I  can't  tell  which 
one  ;  I  have  not  seen  the  prisoners  since  they  were  taken  out ;  I  do  not  know  what 
become  of  them  except  hearsay,  and  I  don't  suppose  it  Avorth  Avliile  to  state  hearsays. 
The  defense  did  not  care  to  question  the  witness. 

AKTEKOOX. 

The  Avituess,  John  T.  Freeman,  signed  the  evidence  as  taken. 

William  Hopp,  a  witness  for  the  State,  being  SAVorn  and  questioned  by  A.  S.  Seymour, 
esq.,  said :  I  liA^e  in  Lenoir  County  at  John  Parrott's,  fiA-e  miles  from  Kinston.  I  have 
been  liA'ing  there  about  six  months.  I  was  bred  and  born  in  the  county,  and  lived  there 
all  my  life.  I  am  acquainted  with  Mr.  Monroe  ;  haA-e  been  knowing  him  about  eight 
months.  I  see  him  in  court.  Yonder  he  is.  (Pointing  at  him.)  I  was  at  Mr.  Parrott's 
in  January  last  passed.  I  knoAv  about  the  breaking  of  Lenoir  County  jail.  I  Avas  in 
there.  I  knew  the  men  that  came  to  let  out  the  prisoners.  I  was  in  the  cell  Avith  them. 
Bob  Grady,  Daniel  Smith,  John  Miller,  Richard  Nobles,  and  Cater  Grady  Avere  in  the 
cell  with  me.  These  men  came  up  the  stairs  to  let  the  prisoners  out.  I  Know  the  men 
who  came  up  there.  Old  Mr.  Oliver  Herring's  son,  Calvin,  Mr.  Simpson  Harper,  Daniel1 


OUTRAGES   COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  57 

Stroud,  aud  Mr.  Monroe  were  the  men.  When  they  came  iu  there  they  cut  up  these 
i  opes  and  they  tied  those  prisoners,  and  Bob  Grady  says  to  Mr.  Harper,  "What  is  you 
going  to  kill  me  for,"  and  the  answer  was,  "  d — u  you,  I  am  not  going  to  kill  you ;  I 
am  going  to  carry  yon  down  stairs,  and  you  have  got  to  tell  me  truth  to  night."  They 
•  •aiTird  the  four  black  men  down  first.  They  staid  down  there  about  twenty  minutes, 
I  reckon.  They  came  back  up  there  and  go|  this  Richard  Nobles  ;  he  was  white.  After 
they  came  and  got  them  all  out,  Mr.  Freeman  poked  his  head  into  the  cell  door  and 
asked  me  if  I  knew  any  of  the  men,  and  I  was  afraid  to  tell  him.  I  saw  nothing  more 
of  the  men  who  took  the  prisoners  out.  The  answer  was  that  I  said  to  Mr.  Freeman 
that  I  did  not  know  them.  Then  he  says  to  me,"  You  better  not  know  them."  The  night 
the  cell  door  was  open  the  candle  was  just  inside  the  door.  Mr.  Freeman  was  standing 
just  inside  the  door  ;  at  the  door.  Mr.  Monroe  was  standing  outside  the  grating,  and 
Mr.  Calvin  Herring,  he  was  the  man  that  had  the  candle.  Simpson  Hardy  said  to  Bob 
Grady,  "  G — dd — 11  you,  you  have  threatened  burning  me  lip  long  enough."  When 
1  saw  Mr.  Monroe  he  was  standing  outside,  and  got  outside,  and  I  didn't  see  any  more 
of  him ;  I  didn't  see  any  wrong  of  him.  He  walked  back  toward  the  steps,  and 
I  didn't  see  any  more  of  him.  I  saw  pistols  drawn.  They  had  them  cocked,  and 
had  them  close  to  their  heads,  and  told  them  if  they  didn't  hush  hallooing  they 
would  blow  their  brains  out.  I  saw  Calvin  Herring,  Simpson  Harper,  and  Mr.  Monroe 
here  Avith  pistols  drawn.  Calvin  Herring  had  his  cocked  inside  the  cell  at  the  pris- 
oner's head.  Mr.  Monroe  had  a  pistol  in  his  hand  and  held  the  end  of  it ;  it  was  down 
i>y  his  side.  Simpson  Harper,  he  had  a  pistol  inside  the  cell  with  Calvin  Herring,  and 
had  it  cocked  to  the  prisoners'  heads.  I  saw  no  other  persons  inside  the  jail  but  those  I 
have  mentioned.  I  remained  in  jail  three  days  after  this.  Egbert  Davis  sent  a  paper 
down  to  prove  that  there  was  no  evidence  against  me  at  all.  I  have  never  seen  any  of 
them  that  were  taken  out  since  that  time.  I  have  been  living  at  Mr.  John  H.  Parrott's 
even  since  my  release  from  jail.  Mr.  John  H.  Parrott  said  that  if  I  followed  going  to 
Kinston  to  see  these  detectives  or  loafers,  that  some  of  these  nights  I  should  not  know 
anything. 

Witness  questioned  by  Judge  THOMAS  : 

I  don't  know  that  I  am  afraid  that  my  life  would  be  taken.  There  are  a  good  many 
who  would  do  it  if  they  could.  I  have  heard  that  the  Hill  boys  said  they  had  a  great 
mind  to  go  up  there  and  get  me  and  kill  me. 

The  witness  signed  the  written  account  of  the  testimony. 

WILUAM  WIUTI:.  a  witness  for  the  State,  was  called  aud  sworn.  Questioned  by  Judge 
THOMAS,  says  :  I  know  nothing  about  it. 

Questioned  by  W.  J.  CLARKE,  esq.: 

1  stay  at  a  house  in  Kinston,  belonging  to  Mr.  R.  F.  Green,  the  superior  court  clerk  of 
Lenoir  County  ;  I  married  his  oldest  daughter  ;  I  think  I  have  resided  there  two  years. 
My  t  rade  is  anything  which  will  pay  me  to  work  ;  I  keep  the  records  of  the  superior  court 
clerk,  whatever  he  tells  me  to  write.  I  was  born  the  16th  of  December,  1839  :  I  was 
born  not  like  Christ ;  I  was  born  in  a  house.  (Judge  Thomas  said,  "Answer  properly,  or 
I  will  put  you  in  jail.")  The  house  I  was  born  in  is  burned  down  ;  I  have  called  it  my 
home  inKinstou;  in  January  of  the  present  year  I  don't  know  where  I  was ;  I  was  in 
l.i-noir  County;  1  was  all  over  Kiustou  on  the  night  of  January  24,  1869;  I  was 
sort  of  rizling  round ;  I  can't  say  that  I  crossed  the  court-house  square  on  the  night  of 
January  24,  1869  ;  I  do  not  know  that  the  jail  in  Kiuston  was  broken  open  iu  the 
uiont  h  of  January  last ;  I  don't  know  whal  month  it  was  ;  I  have  heard  it  was  broken 
open,  but  don't  know  it ;  I  have  been  stopped  and  halted  at  night  by  a  band  of  men 
near  the  court-house  square  between  12  and  1  o'clock  at  night  ;  I  went  eo  far  as  to 
draw  my  pistol  on  them,  and  I  would  have  shot  them,  too;  .they  asked  me  where  I  was 
going;  lie  told  me  to  halt;  he  asked  me  where  I  was  going,  and  I  said  I  was  going 
home:  I.  saw  a  crowd  I  supposed  were  men,  about  thirty  yards  from  me;  I  should 
think  there  were  about  seventy-five  men  in  the  crowd;  it  was  a  bright  moonshiny 
night;  I  put  my  pistol  right  on  him  ;  he  said.  "  Halt ;"  I  said,  "  Who  is  that  .'"  he  said. 
"Ain't  that  White  ?"  I  said,  "Yes  ;"  he  asked  where,  I  was  going ;  I  said  I  was  going  home  : 
he  told  me  to  go  on  ;  I  didnot  know  the  man  that  halted  me  ;  no  other  words  passed  be- 
tween us  that  I  recollect  of;  I  did  not  distinguish  anyone  in  the  crowd:  they  then 
suffered  me  to  go  on  ;  I  went  home  ;  I  went  to  my  resting-place  ;  I  remained  there  all 
night;  I  heard  no  noise,  except  some  rats  running  round  the  plastering;  I  heard  no 
unusual  noises  outside  the  house  that  night;  I  was  with  Stevenson;  he  was  coroner, 
and  held  an  inquest  over  a  dead  body,  in  Xense  Kiver,  just  below  the  bridge,  a  mileand 
a  half  below  Kinston,  and  about  half  a  mile  below  the  bridge;  I  do  not  know  whether 
it  was  a  white  man  or  a  colored  man;  I  was  not  on  the  jury;  I  was  just  down 
there  ;  the  body  was  a  brown  mulatto  or  a  white  man  ;  he  was  light  oompleoted  :  then- 
is  no  doubt  it  was  the  corpse  of  a  man;  it  was  very  offensive,  had  a  very  otlV-nsiv.- 
smell;  it  was  a  bright  dark  night — not  moonlight;  we  gut  him  out  before  the  moon 
rose  ;  we  had  a  lantern  ;  the  coroner  had  :  I  went  within  a  foot  and  a  half  of  the  body  : 


58  OUTRAGES   COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

did  not  examine  the  body,  aud  saw  no  wounds  ;  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief 
the  hands  of  the  corpse  were  tied  ;  I  don't  recollect  whether  or  not  the  feet  were  tied ; 
I  don't  know  what  time  in  the  year  it  was  ;  have  not  the  least  idea  how  long  it  was 
after  the  jail-breaking ;  presume  it  was  in  the  spring  ;  saw  another  body  at  my  beach, 
about  five  miles  below  Kinstou ;  about  two  miles  and  a  half  below  the  bridge  in  a 
direct  line ;  the  body  was  that  of  a  colored  man  ;  he  had  on  common  clothes  like  a 
laboring  man ;  it  looked  like  the  hands  were  tied ;  from  the  position  of  the  corpse  I 
suppose  the  hands  were  tied  above  the  head ;  I  do  not  know  what  disposition  was 
made  of  the  body  ;  I  saw  it  in  the  water,  about  two  hundred  yards  below  my  beach  ;  I 
was  not  nearer  than  fifty  yards  to  the  body  ;  I  did  not  bring  it  to  laud,  nor  anybody 
else,  to  my  knowledge ;  I  saw  one  other  body,  down  below  the  becich,  about  half  a 
mile  ;  it  was  in  the  water  ;  I  stood  on  the  bank  and  looked  at  the  body,  about  thirty 
yards  distant ;  this  was  after  the  breaking  of  the  prison,  and  after  the  night  I  was 
halted  on  the  court-hoiise  square  ;  this  last  body,  I  cannot  tell  whether  it  was  that  of 
a  white  or  colored  man  ;  I  did  not  observe  whether  the  hands  or  feet  were  tied  ;  saw 
nothing  but  his  posterior  extremities ;  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  was  a  human  being  ;  I 
don't  know  whether  it  was  the  corpse  of  a  man  or  a  woman  ;  it  had  on  drawers  like  a 
man ;  I  don't  know  that  it  is  a  usual  thing  to  let  bodies  float  down  Neuse  River  with- 
out rescuing  them;  I  told  the  coroner  elect,  William  Lof'tin,  that  a  body  was  in  the 
river  ;  I  don't  know  that  the  prisoners  were  put  in  jail  in  January  last. 

Not  cross-examined  by  the  defendants.  When  the  evidence  he  had  given  was  read 
to  him  by  Judge  Thomas  he  changed  his  evidence,  and  said  : 

I  crossed  the  court-house  square  on  the  night  of  January  24,  and  was  halted.  I  sup- 
pose I  saw  the  second  body  about  two  weeks  after  I  saw  the  first.  The  body  on  which 
an  inquest  was  held  I  saw  about  two  weeks  after  I  saw  the  lirst  body  floating  in  the 
river.  I  saw  the  first  two  bodies  about  six  days  apart. 

The  witness  signed  to  the  above  recited  evidence. 

THOMAS  PARKER,  (colored,)  a  witness  for  the  State,  being  sworn  and  questioned  by 
W.  J.  CLARKE,  esq.,  said  : 

My  name  is  Tom  Parker ;  I  am  about  35  years  of  age  ;  I  live  in  Kinston,  Lenoir 
County,  North  Carolina  ;  I  was  living  in  Kiustou  last  January  ;  I  saw  a  crowd  of  men 
in  Kiuston  last  January  ;  I  do  not  know  what  day ;  it  was  in  the  night ;  I  think  it 
was  between  1  and  2  o'clock  at  night ;  I  don't  think  it  looked  to  be  more  than  about 
twenty  men  in  the  crowd  ;  I  passed  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street  from  them  ;  except 
Mr.  Hill,  he  was  same  side  of  the  street  I  was  ;  they  came  out  from  between  Mr.  Pat- 
terson's store  and  the  garden  ;  they  crossed  over  and  went  under  the  old  market-house ; 
the  old  market-house  is  about  thirty  yards  from  the  jail,  I  reckon  ;  some  went  on  to 
the  jail  and  some  stopped  under  the  old  market-house  ;  I  do  not  know  whether  they 
were  armed  or  not ;  one  man  had  a  pistol  belted  around  him,  aud  I  did  not  see  any 
arms  excusing  that ;  I  didn't  see  them  do  anything  but  go  to  the  jail  in  a  very  quiet 
manner ;  there  was  no  particular  order  in  their  going  ;  I  heard  no  words  spoken 
among  them  ;  I  thought  they  were  putting  somebody  in  jail,  as  they  had  been  doing 
off  and  on  all  day ;  all  I  knew  in  jail  were  John  Miller,  a  black  man ;  Bob  Grady, 
a  black  man ;  Cater  Grady,  a  black  man  ;  a  dark,  pumpkin-colored  man  ;  he  was  five 
feet  high,  sort  of  a  bat-ham'd  man  ;  he  didn't  walk  right  up  aud  down  like  most  men  ; 
he  had  knotty  hair  ;  he  probably  weighed  about  125  or  130  pounds.  Richard  Nobles 
was  in  there  ;  he  was  a  white  man.  The  crowd  who  went  to  the  jail  that  I  see'd  was 
white  men  ;  I  saw  not  a  colored  man  among  them.  I  went  to  the  jail  next  morning  ; 
it  did  not  look  like  it  had  been  broken  open  ;  there  was  no  sign  on  the  door  and  t  lu- 
bolt  was  not  injured  at  all ;  I  found  one  man  there  whom  I  knew  ;  his  name  was  Bui 
Hopp  ;  Bob  Grady,  Cater  Grady,  and  Richard  Nobles  were  not  there.  Eight  or  ten 
days  after  the  breaking  of  the  jail  I  saw  a  dead  body  in  the  river  about  100  or  150 
yards  below  the  bridge— Kinston  bridge,  over  the  Neuse  River ;  the  bridge  is  about  a 
mile,  or  a  little  over,  from  the  jail ;  it  was  the  body  of  a  man  ;  I  went  near  enough  to 
put  my  hand  on  the  body  ;  the  skin  was  pretty  much  peeled  oft'  his  face  ;  he  did  not 
have  skin  as  if  he  had  lately  died ;  the  body  was  clothed  with  a  pair  of  pantaloons 
and  an  undershirt ;  it  appeared  like  a  man  who  had  been  in  the  water  a  right  smart 
of  days;  it  looked  water-soaked;  it  took  the  color  out  of  his  face;  I  did  not  kuow 
him,  but  it  was  said  to  be  Cater  Grady,  and  he  used  to  belong  to  George  Grady ; 
George  Grady  said  so  ;  I  see  him  (George" Grady)  every  morning  and  evening  ;  he  hauls 
fish  from  the  train ;  I  saw  him  Monday  aud,  I  think,  Tuesday  ;  I  saw  him  the  day 
before— day  before  yesterday  ;  the  body  was  about  the  size  of  Cater  Grady. 

The  defense  did  not  wish  to  cross-question  the  witness.  He  heard  the  evidence  read 
as  taken,  and  subscribed  to  it. 

GKORGK  AV.  TILI.OX,  a  witness  for  the  State,  being  sworn  and  questioned  by  R.  F. 
LEHMAN,  esq.,  said : 

I  am  thirty-four  years  of  age  ;  in  the  month  of  January  last  I  resided  near  the  river 
bridge  of  Kinston  ;  I  visited  the  Lenoir  County  jail  in  that  mouth ;  I  saw  and  con- 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY   DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  59 

versed  with  prisoners  lodged  iu  Leuoir  Comity  jail  in  that  month ;  the  prisoners' 
names  were  as  follows:  Cater  Grady.  J);inii-l  Smitli,  or  Grady,  (I  know  him  by  both 
names.)  1'obert  Grady,  John  Miller,  and  Richard  Nobles. 


Hi:Ai><irAi:n:i:s  DKI-AIJTMKXT  OF  VIH<UXIA, 

Richmond,  Virginia,  March  15,  1870 

SIK  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit,  for  the  information  of  the  major  general  coin- 
maning  the  division,  a  copy  of  a  report  made  by  First  Lieutenant  Paul  R.  Hambrick, 
iinatt.-irhcd,  in  relation  to  the  troubles  in  Alaniauce  County,  North  Carolina,  heretofore 
reported  iu  my  communication  of  the  8th  instant. 

It  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  get  exact  information  upon  any  subject  of  this  kind 
through  the  agency  of  any  one  who  is  known  to  be  connected  with  the  Army,  and  as 
Lieutenant  Hambrick  had  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  that  part  of  North  Carolina, 
and  knows  personally  many  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  of  both  political  parties,  I 
selected  him  for  the  purpose  of  making  such  investigation  as  would  develop  the  actual 
state  of  facts,  and  determine  as  fully  as  possible  the  character  and  extent  of  the  disor- 
ders that  have  occurred  and  are  threatened. 

His  statement,  both  as  to  existing  disorders  and  the  disposition  and  power  of  the 
civil  authorities  to  qoutrol  them,  may,  I  think,  be  fully  relied  upon  ;  and  as  a  measure 
of  precaution  I  will  send  to  Raleigh  two  companies  of  the  Seventeenth  Infantry,  now  in 
garrison  near  this  city,  which  have  been  held  in  readiness  for  that  service  for  several 
days  past. 

Of  course  these  troops,  as  well  as  those  now  in  North  Carolina,  can  take  no  active 
measures  in  suppressing  these  disorders  unless  the  President  should  authorize  their 


employment  for  that  purpose.    But  they  may  inspire  the  civil  authorities  with  a  greater 
degree  of  confidence  than  they  now  appear  to  possess,  and  their  presei 
atl'ord  to  I'mon  men  a  place  of  refuge  from  assassination  and  outrage. 


ED.  R.  S.  CANBY, 
Brerct  Major  General,  Commanding.  , 
The  ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT  GKXEK.VL, 

Military  Dirixion  of  the  Atlantic,  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania. 


RICHMOND,  VIRGINIA,  March  14,  18/0. 

GI:N;:I:AI,:  Incompliance  with  instructions  received  from  you  on  the  9th  instant,  I 
have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  visited  the  county  of  Alamance,  in  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,  and  made  a  thorough  investigation,  as  i'ar  as  time  and  circumstances  would 
allow,  into  and  of  the  outrages  reported  to  have  been  committed  in  said  county  by  a 
party  styling  themselves  Ku-Klux,  &c.,  and  I  beg  to  respectfully  submit  the  following 
report : 

First.  I  find  that,  there  is  a  formidable  body  of  men  organized  in  said  county  com- 
posed of  persons  whose  ages  range  from  eighteen  to  thirty-five  years,  and  are  under 
thorough  discipline  and  training,  styling  themselves  "  Constitutional  Defenders," 
-  Kn-Klux,"  &c. 

^fccond.  Their  object  appears  to  be  to  drive  the  colored  and  Union  men  of  said  county 
from  the  said  county  and  State.  This  they  accomplish  by  murder  and  corporal  punish- 
ment. 

This  organization  first  commenced  their  hellish  deeds  by  hanging  two  white  men  on 
the  border  of  said  county,  where  the  county  joins  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Chatham. 
These  men  were  brothers,  named  Daniel  and  Jefferson  Morrow. 

Immediately  after  this  double  murder  notices  were  served  upon  all  republicans  to 
leave  the  county  and  State  at  once,  or  they  would  meet  a  like  fate. 

On  my  arrival  in  Graham,  I  called  upon  the  magistrates  of  the  town,  and  from  them 
learned  the  following  facts:  These  gentlemen.  Justices  Albright  and  Harding,  when 
these  depredations  lirst  commenced,  issued  warrants  for  about  a  dozen  of  the  gang, 
and  had  them  arraigned  for  trial.  So  complete  was  the  organization,  these  gentlemen 
found  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  punish  any  of  this  Klan.  because  of  the  swift 
witnesses  ready  at  all  times  to  prove  alibi*,  and  they  wen-  compelled  in  every  instance 
to  dismiss  the  charges  against  them.  Not  one  of  them  has  ever  been  punished  even 
with  a  day's  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail. 

I  will  now  detail  a  few  of  the  many  cases  brought  to  my  notice  while  in  Graham. 

Besides  the  Morrow  brothers,  a  white  man  residing  in  the  MUitliern  part  of  the 
county  named  Guy  has  been  hung:  since  then  three  colored  men  have  met  with  the 
same  fate. 

Wyatt  Outlaw  was  hung  in  the  public  square  at  Graham  on  the  2<>th  of  February, 


60  OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS. 

at  night.  This  man  was  a  colored  mechanic,  was  honest  and  upright  in  all  his  dealings, 
and  his  only  offense  was  that  he  was  the  leader  of  the  Union  League  in  said  county. 
He  was  a  carriage-maker,  and  his  death  is  deeply  felt  by  the  good  citizens  of  the 
county. 

The  morning  after  this  murder  (Sunday)  his  body  was  cut  down  by  Sheriff  Murray, 
taken  to  the  court-house  for  inquest,  and  while  there,  in  presence  of  this  officer,  indig- 
nities were  offered  the  dead  man  by  parties  proffering  the  dead  body  a  cigar. 

The  morning  after  the  murder,  a  party  of  these  outlaws  called  at  the  house  of  one 
William  Puryeor,  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  county,  and  demanded  breakfast. 
They  had  remoA-ed  the  masks  from  their  faces,  but  kept  on  their  gowns.  While  at  the 
table  of  this  man  one  of  the  party,  who  was  under  the  influence  of  strong  drink, 
openly  boasted  that  he  had  placed  the  rope  around  the  neck  of  said  Wyatt  Outlaw. 
This  man,  Puryeor,  was  a  poor,  ignorant  colored  person,  and  after  the  party  left  re- 
ported the  fact  in  the  neighborhood.  It  was  soon  reported  to  the  Klan,  who,  last  week, 
returned  to  his  house  at  night,  took  him  from  his  bed,  aud  evidently  killed  him,  for 
fear  the  military  authorities  would  gather  the  names  of  the  parties  concerned  in  Out- 
law's murder. 

While  in  Graham  the  death  of  a  colored  man  was  reported,  by  the  mime  of  Sykes. 
This  murder  occurred  a  month  since,  but,  through  fear,  parties  having  knowledge  of 
same  did  not  report  the  case  before.  Many  rumors  of  murder  most  foul  are  reaching 
the  village  daily,  of  both  white  and  colored. 

Minor  depredations  are  daily  occurrences.  About  ten  days  since  a  school-teacher 
named  Callis,  a  white  man,  teaching  a  colored  school  at  the  Company  Shops,  about 
three  miles  from  Graham,  was  taken  from  his  bed  at  night,  and  was  most  outrageously 
whipped.  After  the  party  had  satiated  themselves,  they  gave  him  live  days  to  leave 
the  State.  He  is  now  at  Clover  Depot,  on  the  Richmond  aud  Danville  Railroad,  suffer- 
ing from  the  injuries  received  at  that  time.  They  next  went  to  Graham,  and  to  the 
house  of  a  Mr.  Siddle,  a  white  man,  also  a  teacher  of  a  colored  school,  and  took  him 
from  his  bed,  and  administered  to  him  a  very  severe  whipping,  ordering  him  to  leave 
the  county  and  State  at  once.  Since  that  day  this  man  is  missing.  Whether  he  left 
or  was  murdered  remains  to  be  seen. 

On  Friday,  the  4th  instant,  an  old  colored  man  named  John  Boon,  residing  near  Gib- 
sonville,  in  said  county,  lost  his  wife,  aud  at  her  burial  on  the  Saturday  following  he 
placed  a  small  national  liag  ou  her  coffin.  A  ruffian  present,  named  Simeon  Wagoner,  said 
openly,  that  he  "  would  stand  no  such  d — d  nonsense,"  and  that  "  he  would  have  that 
old  negro  attended  to  that  night."  He  further  stated,  Avhen  some  one  called  upon  him 
to  explain  why  it  was  the  old  man  had  used  the  flag,  "  that  he  had  detailed  four  men, 
giving  their  names,  to  attend  to  the  matter  that  night."  Sure  enough,  four  disguised 
persons  did  visit  this  old  man's  house,  but  he,  fearing  such  visit,  left.  The  week  after 
the  murder  of  Outlaw,  Mr.  Badhani  expressed  himself  rather  freely  regarding  the  mur- 
der, when  a  ruffian  named  Moore  fell  upon  him  and  beat  him  outrageously,  breaking- 
one  of  the  bones  of  Mr.  Badham's  leg.  I  mention  these  facts  to  show  that  these  things 
are  openly  done,  and  no  arrests  are  made. 

While  investigating  at  Graham,  Friday,  an  old  colored  man  came  in  and  reported 
that  he  had  received  a  very  severe  whipping  the  night  before  from  the  Ku-Klux.  This 
old  man,  whose  name  is  George  Reppey,  Told  a  very  straight  and  pitiful  story.  He 
said  that  last  week  he  visited  the  camp  of  the  soldiers,  and  after  getting  home  was 
sitting  reflecting  about  leaving  the  country,  when  the  party,  some  dozen,  broke  his  door 
open,  rushed  in  and  seized  him,  took  him  to  the  woods,  and  while  one  of  their  number 
held  his  head  between  the  knees  of  one  of  them,  the  rest  struck  him  twenty-live  lashfe 
apiece  with  a  leather  strap ;  that  while  in  this  position,  to  use  his  own  lauguage,Tre 
gave  "  a  powerful  lunge,"  aud  threw  the  man  holding  him  into  the  boughs  of  aired 
which  had  been  felled  for  lumber.  After  the  party  had  beat  him  they  left  him,  and  he 
picked  up  a  spur  which  the  man  holding  liim  lost  among  the  boughs  when  he  fell. 
This  spur  is  recognized  as  the  property  of  one  Dr.  Thomas  Lnttou.  It  is  a  peculiar, 
large  spur,  and  is  well  known.  This  man  Reppey  was  whipped  because  he  visited  the 
camp  of  17th  detachment  the  day  before. 

They  have  served  notices  on  every  Union  man  in  the  county,  and  have  even  gone  so 
far  as  to  serve  notices  on  Judge  Torgee  and  others,  at  Greensboro. 

They  now  swear  openly  that  they  will  cause  the  death  of  every  Union  man  in  Gra- 
ham the  moment  the  Yankee  soldiers  are  withdrawn,  unless  said  persons  go  with  said 
soldiers. 

I  conversed  with  colored  aud  white  men  who  confessed  that  they  had  not  slept  in 
their  houses  for  four  weeks. 

The  organization  is  complete;  it  extends  to  every  part  of  the  country,  and  nothing 
can  be  said  or  done  without  their  knowledge.  They  are  well  drilled,  have  regular 
commanders,' who  issue  orders  which  are  obeyed  with  alacrity.  There  are  four  known 
commanders  in  Alamance  County,  one  at  each  of  the  cardinal  points,  and  known  as 
the  north,  south,  east,  and  west  commanders.  They  have  regular  signs  and  grips  and 
also  words,  and  are  bound  by  oaths  to  deliver  any  of  the  order  who  should  be 


OUTRAGES    COMMITTED    BY    DISLOYAL    PERSONS.  61 

ao  unfortunate  us  to  fall  into  the  clutches  of  the  law.  Two  of  the  head  villain. •<  un- 
known in  this  county.  Simon  Wagner,  commanding  the  north,  and  Adolphus  Moore, 
commanding  the  south.  These  two  have  expressed  themselves  in  language  unmistak- 
able. The  night  they  murdered  Wyatt  Outlaw  they  paraded  tin-  streets  of  Graham, 
going  through  inauy  evolutions,  and  at  last  brought  up  in  front  of  Squire  Albright's 
house,  but  it  is  supposed  that  they  were  deterred  from  entering  the  same,  as  the  matter 
had  spread  through  the  place  and  a  large  crowd  of  citizens  had  assembled.  It  is  esti- 
mated by  good  judges  that  there  were  at  least  one  hundred  of  the  party,  many  say 
more,  none  less.  It  was  the  largest  demonstration  ever  made  of  the  Klan  in  North 
Carolina.  What  their  intentions  were  besides  the  murder  of  Outlaw  is  unknown,  but 
from  their  number  and  the  many  notices  served  on  Justice  Albright  and  Hardin,  the 
presumption  is  that  more  mischief  was  intended. 

It  is  impossible,  as  stated,  to  bring  them  to  justice  before  the  civil  authorities. 
This  is  acknowledged  by  Judge  Torgee,  Justices  Albright,  Hardin,  and  others.  Their 
witnesses  will  swear  to  anything  to  clear  a  member.  The  declaration  of  martial  law 
has  only  maddened  them.  They  say  openly  that  they  defy  Holden  and  all  his  aid. 
Lieutenant  McTaggart  says  he  has  force  enough  to  prevent  further  raids  on  Graham 
and  the  Company  Shops,  and  yet  parties  are  badly  whipped  every  night  within  live  and 
ten  miles  of  Graham.  If  possible  a  company  of  cavalry  should  be  sent  to  the  county 
and  cause  the  same  to  be  patrolled  nightly  with  power  to  arrest  all  suspicious 
characters. 

This  is  the  wish  of  all  good  citizens  with  whom  I  met  at  the  shops.  I  conversed  with 
Mr.  G.  M.  Lee,  the  treasurer  of  the  North  Carolina  road,  and  he  expressed  it  as  his 
opinion  that  the  only  way  to  allay  the  excited  feelings  of  the  negroes  and  white  Union 
people  was  to  send  more  troops.  Militia  will  not  answer,  for  if  you  enroll  the  militia 
of  this  county  over  one  half  of  those  enrolled  would  be  members  of  the  organization. 
If  these  desperadoes  are  to  be  punished,  nothing  short  of  a  military  court  will  answer. 
If  Governor  Holden  has  the  authority  to  convene  a  court  of  militia  officers,  chosen  from 
other  portions  of  the  State,  and  delegate  to  them  power  to  try  and  punish  those  ofi'end- 
ers,  then  perhaps  they  would  get  a  fair  trial,  and  justice  would  be  meted  out  to  them. 
But  it  is  all  folly  and  time  thrown  away  to  send  them  before  the  civil  authorities. 

There  is  one  fact  clearly  established:  that  is,  that  there  is  such  an  organization  in 
said  county ;  that  it  is  composed  in  part  of  men  who  have  heretofore  stood  high  in  the 
county ;  that  they  are  completely  organized,  and  that  they  have  murdered  innocent 
citizens  and  mutilated  others  too  numerous  to  mention. 

I  am,  general,  most  respectfullv,  vour  obedient  servant, 

PAUL  R.  HAMBRICK, 
First  Lieutenant  United  /State*  Army. 

.Major  General  E.  R.  S.  CANBY, 

Commanding  Department  of  Virginia. 

A  true  copy: 

LOUIS  V.  CAZIARC, 
Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

HEADQUARTERS  MILITARY  DIVISION  OF  THE  ATLANTIC, 

Philadelphia,  Pa.,  March  18,  1870. 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army,  for  the  information  of 
tite  General-in-Chief.  I  have  informed  Brevet  Major  General  Canby  that  I  approve  the 
^mrse  pursued  by  him. 

GEO.  G.  MEADE, 
Major  General  Commanding. 

HEADQUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 

ll~axhington,  D.  C.,  March  22,  1870. 
Respectfully  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  for  the  President. 

W.  T.  SHERMAN,  General. 

Official  copies : 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND, 

Jdjutant  General. 


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